Due to its spellbinding architecture and sheer grandeur, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is a must-visit place on the list of every tourist in Philadelphia. This beautiful cathedral is the centerpiece of one of the largest Catholic populations in North America. It was designed by celebrated architect Napoleon LeBrun and constructed between 1846 and 1864 by blending Palladian and Italian Renaissance architectural styles. A beautiful “baldachin” or “canopy” over the altar is evidence of the Italian influence while the church façade is in the Palladian style. In fact, you may be forgiven for thinking you are in Europe while viewing this glorious cathedral. Embark on an audio tour and learn more about its eight chapels, 2000-seat sanctuary, vaulted copper dome, and a spectacular apse featuring red marble carvings and stained glass work. During the tour, you will also be familiarized with the fascinating history of the basilica. As Pennsylvania's largest Catholic church, this monument is recorded in the National Register of Historic Places.
The red-bricked Georgian building in the midst of the 45-acre (18.2-hectare) Independence National Historical Park is one of the most recognizable historical landmarks in the nation, emblematic of the culmination of a series of epoch-making events that led to the birth of an independent America. The place where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution of the United States (1787) were signed, the Independence Hall has come to be synonymous with the the ideas of freedom and democracy that the declaration is hinged on, and stands tall on Philadelphia's historic Chestnut Street, flanked by side wings and a steeple. Constructed between 1732 and 1753, the famed Independence Hall was the brainchild of Andrew Hamilton and Edmund Woolley, and also served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. The iconic Liberty Bell is located right around the corner, although its original home was Independence Hall's bell tower.
Gothic and neoclassical influences dominate the features of City Hall. The statue of William Penn that resides atop City Hall's clock tower remains a Philadelphia skyline marker—until the 1980s there was a "gentleman's agreement" that no Philadelphia building would be built higher than the rim of Penn's hat. City Hall provides a majestic backdrop for shoppers and businesspersons alike as it is situated on the intersection of the city's two main arteries, Broad and Market Streets. The tour of the City Hall lasts for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Barclay Farm House is a Federal-style farmhouse dating back to the 19th Century. Spanning across 32 acres (12.95 hectares) of land, the farmhouse features a herb garden, farm buildings, playground, community gardens, orchard and nature trails following River Cooper. Besides numerous tours of the interiors, the house also plays host to outdoor concerts, craft fairs and other such cultural events. If you want to glimpse at a slice of local history and culture, then a visit to Barclay Farm House can be a great idea. Note that besides the usual timings, Barclay Farm House is also open to the public on the first Sunday of every month from April to November between 12p to 4p.
Cherry Hill Public Library is housed in a municipal structure owned by the municipality. The present structure was designed in the year 2004 by Malcolm Wells, a leading architect. The edifice features a rather unconventional design plan.
Named after the American revolutionary leader Caesar Rodney, John J. Raskob built a historic and public square- Rodney Square in the 20th century and is now considered as the pulse of the city. The square is used for festivals and other celebrations. It is a perfect blend of architecture from ancient to modern time which includes Italian Renaissance, Classical Revival, Beaux-Arts and Moderne.
A lovely unincorporated settlement in the Willstown Township of Chester county, Pennsylvania, Sugartown Historic District contains 14 buildings. The area, named after Eli Shugart, comprises of blacksmiths, cabinetmaker, general stores, shoemakers, saddlers and doctors. This Malvern community plays an important role in providing services and goods to the nearby farm communities.
Nitre Hall is built in 1805 in a property expanding 9 acres (3.6 acres). The owner of the Nitre Hall Powder Mills was the resident owner of Nitre Hall, and lived in it till his death. The building consists of three floors, with the custodian staying on the ground floor and the top two floors showcase exhibits and other Colonial age items. The Hall is opened from May through October and in December for special occasions and events. It is frequented by schools for field trips, and members of different historical societies.
Perched on top of a hill, located within a green estate that covers nearly 72 acres (29 hectares), Woodmont is a mansion built by renowned architect Will Price in 1894. The building's architecture is Châteauesque, drawing inspiration from French and Gothic designs. The mansion was known to accommodate revered spiritual leader Reverend M. J. Divine during the early 50s, which was when the building was at its peak in terms of popularity. Its association with Father Divine allowed it to be mentioned as a National Historic Monument, frequented by tourists from far and wide.
The existing structure of the Arch Street Presbyterian Church was constructed in 1855 and features an impressive Classical Revival style design that places it in stark contrast with the surrounding modern buildings. With a vast and eventful history, the church has survived periods of decline with grace and perseverance, standing tall even today. The church is truly a beautiful sight, with a design reminiscent of Greek and Roman architecture, and interiors that are beautifully decorated with elegant columns and a graceful dome, Far from being just a pretty building, the church not only continues to serve as a place of worship, it also supports a number of groups, charities and outreach programs to better the lives of not only its own, but of the community as a whole.
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church was originally established in 1856, however the existing church building dates back to 1929. As the third church building to house Saint Paul's, it is by far the largest and most magnificent of the three. Its spacious interiors are dominated by the intricately and elaborately carved alter, and the large window above it that is filled with stained glass predominantly in shades of blue. Overhead the glorious inverted boat like ceiling shelters the congregation as they unite in prayer and worship. As a keeper of the history and devotion of the members of its congregation, the church houses a number of memorials including a stained glass window dedicated to the memory of those soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. Three services are held at the church each Sunday, and all are welcome to attend the services irrespective of age. Although they differ in style, each is aimed to apply teachings from the scripture to present times and to contemporary lifestyles.
Built in 1696, Thomas Massey House is considered to be the oldest house in the city of Broomall. This 300 year old house is simply unique because of its building style, theme and material. If you love history and architecture, you'll explore various items of the 17th - 18th century like the furniture, cooking items, books, tools and other pieces of information and exhibits. This house museum is open from the last Sunday of April until the last Sunday of October.