Discover Historic St. Vincent Court

Always on the lookout for L.A.’s coolest hideaways? Then welcome to St. Vincent Court, one of the city’s most beloved passageways and the perfect place to bask in the afterglow of a St. Vincent Jewelry glam spree. Relax in a charming corridor of quaint shopfronts, cafes and cobbled brick, and take advantage of the picture-perfect setting for a selfie or two. No one will believe you’re not in a small European village.

Nestled behind St. Vincent Jewelry, between Broadway and Hill St., St. Vincent Court was named for the building’s original tenant — St. Vincent’s College (now Loyola Marymount University). The college broke ground in 1867 and was the region’s first higher learning institution. Forty years later, in 1907, the original Bullock’s department store opened its doors on the property. That same year, a narrow breezeway, dubbed St. Vincent Place, was built to ferry store merchandise. Away from the bustle of busy streets, the shaded location between buildings made for an appealing spot to linger. Soon an espresso bar opened, people brought chairs and chessboards and the alley took on a life of its own.

In 1957, a movie set-like makeover revamped the passage with internationally-themed facades and seating areas. Cafes, coffee bars and a flower shop flourished. St. Vincent Place was renamed St. Vincent Court and declared California State Landmark #567. Today, it continues to provide a rare respite from city hubbub, shopping and museum hopping. Visit St. Vincent Court, a precious gem in the Downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District.