Our Take: Part of the Louisiana State Museum, the Cabildo flanks St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson square, the most visited spot in New Orleans. Built by the Spanish who ruled Louisiana after the French, the Cabildo dates from 1795. Under the Spanish, the building was used for government business and official occasions. The Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies were held here in 1803. Today, the Cabildo affords visitors numerous exhibitions highlighting the history of the city and the state. Just on the other side of Saint Louis Cathedral stands another location of the State Museums – the Presbytère. History buffs shouldn’t miss visiting both museums.