Source: http://terriniphoto.com/?p=1692
When we last visited Los Angeles, we decided to stay in an area we were rather unfamiliar with. Usually, we choose an accommodation in Santa Monica, West Hollywood or anything a little closer to the beach. This time, we wanted to explore the downtown area of LA. I’m so glad we did because we got to discover gems like St. Vincent Court.
St. Vincent Court is a little alleyway enclosed by Hill Street and Broadway with the main entrance on Seventh Street. When I first passed by this little court, I just briefly looked in from the outside and immediately felt a different, slower vibe from this place. I forgot about it until the next day when I came across an article that recommended St. Vincent Court to check out for tourists who’re looking for the more hidden things to explore in downtown LA.
I looked at the pictures and recognized the place I had passed by the previous day. I needed to check it out again and did so the same day. But this time, I walked in and got to experience the little magic this place exudes.
The place is named after its former owner, St. Vincent’s College (now Loyola University), which was the first institution of higher learning in southern California in 1868. In 1907, Bullock’s department store opened just next to the little square and it became useful for incoming and outgoing deliveries.
St. Vincent Court came into being in 1957. Formerly named St. Vincent Place, new businesses opened in the alley. Along with that, it was remodeled with paintings, awnings and plants. Many of these decorations make up false storefronts. Read more about St. Vincent Court’s history here.
The entire court has a mostly European, Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern vibe to it with a few restaurants and cafes offering pertinent cuisines. But you can also spot Chinese motifs and even a replica of the Statue of Liberty. It’s a wonderfully quirky place and definitely worth to check out if you’re in the LA downtown area.
Are you familiar with St. Vincent Court? Or would you like to visit when you’re in LA?
(Check out my tips for how to spend a healthy day in DTLA here.)
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