Parishioners learned about the history of Brooklyn?s first Italian parish Sunday with a tour through Cobble Hill.

Guides talked about churches that were built on Court Street and continued through the neighborhood. Historians say Italian immigrants came to Brooklyn during the 1800s to make a better way for themselves. Unfortunately, many of their churches were destroyed to build homes and highways.

Organizers say churches are central to Italian culture and they hope the tour highlights the struggle many Italians faced in America.