The Pontalba Buildings, constructed in the 1840s, are twin red-brick buildings flanking Jackson Square and are considered the oldest continuously rented apartments in the United States. Commissioned by Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba, these elegant structures feature iconic cast-iron balconies and ground-floor shops.

The Pontalba Buildings represent a blend of European sophistication and New Orleans charm. They remain vital to the daily life of the French Quarter, housing residents, businesses, and bustling cafes that face the lively square.