Saturday, August 27, 2011

Visitation Monastery

The Convent of the Visitation on Spring Hill Avenue was first established in 1833 by Bishop Portier and constructed with the help of his Master Builder Claude Beroujon. It provides one of the most beautiful settings in Mobile.  It served as a school from its beginnings until 1953 when it was converted to a retreat house. Students came not just from Mobile but throughout the area and even Latin America. The surviving buildings were constructed between 1854 and 1895. The chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart was realized through the financial assistance of Madame Camille Marguerite De Poorter and the McGill brothers, Felix and Arthur in 1895. Harrod and Andry of New Orleans served as architects. In 1953 a Candy Shop was established and the Nuns continue to make and sell their delicious "Heavenly Hash" along with linens and other souvenirs at the gift shop.








6 comments:

  1. another fine history lesson, you and Dave are like cycling historians - I find this so interesting and glad you are sharing... Is it true the the nuns still live in silence and solitude?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you Drick! It is clear that the chapel was designed by the same architects that designed Tulane University's Main Building on St. Charles Avenue, isn't it...As for the nuns, I think they do. We never see any of them when we visit.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aww you missed the Mobilians on Bikes tour of the monastery in February. We had 50 people picnicking on the lawn out front! Hey I really like your Top 10 Things to Do in Mobile list.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Nick! I remember that tour, maybe that should be an annual one.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another great post, Simona! I've always wanted to go to that monastery. Thanks for letting me tag-along with you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Jackie! I am glad you enoyed it. The Visitation Monastery is one of my favorite historic places in Mobile. Check out my post about Jambalaya,when you can. I think as a Mobilian you might find it interesting.

    ReplyDelete