Philadelphia is a city in the United States (Pennsylvania) located in the east of the country. It is the largest economic, political and tourist center of America. Philadelphia (USA) is a popular city for travelers from all over the world. There are many attractions that remind of the most significant events in the history of America. In addition, the city is considered the cultural capital of Pennsylvania, because it is in Philadelphia that most of the museums in the state are located. In this publication you will find the most interesting information about Philadelphia (attractions, history, culture, facts).
Interesting Facts
- Philadelphia is called the "city of brotherly love." After all, this is how its name is translated from Greek. And locals simply call their city “Fili”.
- Philadelphia is the first capital of the "United Colonies." The city received this status in 1775.
- During the War of Independence, Philadelphia (USA) served as the temporary capital of the newly formed state.
- Independence Hall is the most famous and significant landmark of Philadelphia and America in general. Within the walls of this building, the most important event in US history took place. Here in 1776, a meeting of the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence of America. And in 1787, the first US Constitution was signed at Independence Hall .
- Benjamin Franklin - the father of American statehood - lived in Philadelphia.
- The city houses the famous Congress Hall. The Bill of Rights was created within its walls - the first document that determined the legal status of an American citizen.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is a historical monument that the entire state of Philadelphia (USA) is proud of. Within the walls of this building in the XVIII century. decisions were made that determined the fate of the entire state. The Independence Hall proclaimed the Declaration of Independence and adopted the first US Constitution. The building itself was built shortly before these events - in 1753. Initially, the Georgian-style building was intended for state government meetings.
Today, the Independence Hall is the most popular tourist attraction in the city. A tour of the palace begins with the Courtroom. Visitors then enter the premises of the Continental Congress, which declared US independence. Today, the interior of the room since the signing of the most important documents for America has been completely recreated here. In addition, in the Independence Hall you can see the old chair of George Washington, his silver inkwell and other personal belongings of the first president of the United States.
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is rightfully considered a symbol of the independence of the state. It is exhibited on the territory of the Independence Hall in a separate pavilion. The Liberty Bell was the first to inform Philadelphia residents of America's independence.
Initially, the facility was installed in the bell tower of the Independence Hall. Today, in its place is the Centennial Bell, cast to celebrate the 100th anniversary of independence. Each tourist can climb the tower and see it with his own eyes. In addition, the bell tower offers stunning views of the heart of the city - Independence Square.
Alferth Alley
Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, USA) attracts tourists not only with its rich history, but also with unusual attractions. Elferth Alley is considered one of them. This small street is located in the heart of the historic city, not far from the Delaware River. 32 old buildings of the 18th-19th centuries have been preserved here. These houses will tell every interested tourist the stories of ordinary American workers: blacksmiths, furniture makers, butchers, ship carpenters.
Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross House is one of the most visited tourist sites in Philadelphia. Betsy Ross, a girl from a poor family, is considered the creator of the first American flag. Despite the fact that historians question this fact, the legend is especially popular among tourists and local residents. According to the story of Betsy Ross herself, she was a participant in the meeting at which the first president George Washington presented the draft of the American flag. The girl during the meeting took the initiative and came up with a proposal to use not hexagonal, but pentagonal stars on the canvas.
A museum has been opened today at Betsy Ross’s home, where the first American flag was sewn.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia (USA) is rightfully considered the cultural capital of the state of Pennsylvania, because it is here that the most significant museums and historical monuments are located. One of them is the Museum of Art. Its history dates back to 1876, when an exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of the State was opened within the walls of this building. The modern museum building was erected at the beginning of the 20th century. It is an amazingly beautiful palace in the Greek style, crowned with columns and sculptures.
Today, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest and most significant in America. Its exposition totals more than 200 thousand exhibits.
Philadelphia (USA): Attractions Everyone Should See
- Franklin Science Institute is one of the oldest museums in the United States. The basis of his exposition is the invention of the world famous politician Benjamin Franklin. The museum also presents the latest inventions from various fields of science.
- The National Center for the Constitution is the only museum in America dedicated to the Constitution of the state.
- William Penn Tower - An interesting sculpture at the Philadelphia City Hall. For many years (until 1987) this building was considered the tallest building in the state. Under the "gentlemen's agreement," not a single skyscraper could be higher than William Penn's hat. Today, the Philadelphia City Hall is considered the tallest municipal building in the world.
- The most famous religious shrines of the city are the Cathedral of Peter and Paul, the Church of Christ, the Methodist Church of St. George (the very first in the United States), Joseph's Church.
- The Delaware River Embankment, which offers incredibly beautiful views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, is a favorite vacation spot for tourists and locals.
The city is definitely worth a visit!