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Philadelphia is the city that probably, more than any other, marked American history. Right here, on 4th July 1776, the declaration of independence of the United States of America was signed!
Most of the city’s cultural and historical sites are concentrated in an area of about one square mile, within the Independence National Historic Park. Someone called it the square mile richest in US history! You can easily move around on foot between one monument and another, starting at the Liberty Bell Center.
It is a large building, with a bronze bell commissioned to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Charter of Privileges, the “Charter of Privileges” better known as the Pennsylvania Constitution.
HOLIDAY IN PHILADELPHIA
INDIPENDENCE HALL
A fundamental building for the fate of the town, because it was the place where the first American government was born.
Independence Square, a beautiful, well-kept square full of greenery, right in front of the independence hall, is the place where the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time in public.
Also in the area, a few meters away from each other, there is the National Constitution Center, established with the aim of disseminating the Constitution; the Old Congress City Hall, which hosted the US Supreme Court until 1800; the Christ Church, that is, the church in which George Washington and Benjamin Franklin took refuge in prayer; the National Portrait Gallery, an extraordinary art gallery not to be missed.
On vacation in Philadelphia you can’t help but visit, Old City and Germantown. These are areas rich in culture and history. Center City is full of art galleries and cultural centers; to the south of the city there is an interesting Italian market; in the University City, located on the opposite bank of the Schuylkill River, you will have the impression of being in a “city within a city”, with its own particular identity.
Although further away from the center, Manayunk is a lively neighborhood with many shops, restaurants and clubs. Ideal for a night on the town, for lunch, or just for an aperitif.
After getting his fill of American history, Kanoa recommends taking a trip to the new, technological and recent area of Philadelphia.
JOHN F. KENNEDY PLAZA
John Franklin Kennedy Plaza is now also known as the square of love, thanks to the “Love Sculpture” in the center of the imposing square.
From here, a pleasant walk begins to the Benjamin Franklin Parkaway, the beautiful avenue, where the flags of various countries of the world are fixed on the roadside.
This long and rather famous road will lead you to the discovery of some of the most interesting cultural sites: the Rodin Museum and the Barnes Foundation (booking is strongly recommended).
The latter is, without doubt, one of the places not to be missed on holiday in Philadelphia. Right here, some of the most important collections in the world are kept. Works of absolute value and value! Van Gogh, Cezanne, De Chirico, Manet, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, Pica, Renoir are some of the artists exhibited in the Museum.
The collection of 19th and 20th century works is rather rich.
The Museum is open every day, from Wednesday to Monday, from 11:00 to 17:00. Closed on Tuesday. The full fare ticket, not exactly cheap, costs $25 per person. Children under 18 pay $5. Free up to 12 years old. Every first Sunday of the month, you can enter the Barnes Gallery for free. Info and updates on the official website, from this link.
Now, running like Rocky Balboa (Adrianaaa !!!) on the stairway leading to the famous Filadelfia Museum Art. Right here, the blockbuster movie was shot, which marked an era for many of us!
PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
A museum that, due to its architectural grandeur and its collection, is the most important in the city. Inside, works from the various historical periods are conserved and exhibited, starting from 2000 years ago. The majority are purely from Europe, the Americas and Asia.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also a great cultural center outside the classical schemes or museum poles; in fact, it offers activities for adults and children, concerts, films, and themed conferences.
The Museum is open every day, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. Always closed on Monday. Every Wednesday and Friday, the Museum postpones the closing at 20:45. The adult ticket costs $12 and includes access to the Rodin Museum. Free for children under the age of 18. Info on the official website, from this link.
Outside, the long flight of stairs leading to the Museum will not go unnoticed. Almost all, in fact, we remember the scene of the race of Rocky, and final closing with Stallone that raises the gloves to the sky, ready for the challenge with Apollo! For film buffs, Philadelphia was the location of most of the film’s scenes. At S Broad St, there is the Spectrum, the building where the challenge between Rocky and Apollo takes place. At East Tusculum Street and Rosehill St, you will find the houses of the Boxer and Adriana.
During a holiday in Philadelphia, the feeling of deja-vu reigns supreme. The reason is very simple. In fact, the city has always been a favorite destination for directors and screenwriters who have often set scenes and entire settings. This is the case, for example, of the film Philadelphia, with Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, or the more recent Private Justice. Other successful films shot in Philadelphia are The Army of the 12 Monkeys, Blow Out, The Sixth Sense, and others.
Before leaving the beautiful city, we recommend a romantic walk along the Schuylkill river; here, you can take some pictures of the curious wooden houses on the river (Boathouse Row).