City of Philadelphia (United States of America). Philadelphia, USA: sights and interesting facts What country is Philadelphia?
What state is Philadelphia located in?
The city of Philadelphia is part of the state of Pennsylvania.A characteristic of a state or subject of a country is the integrity and interconnection of its constituent elements, including cities and other populated areas that are part of the state.
The state of Pennsylvania is an administrative division of the US state.
Population of the city of Philadelphia.
The population of the city of Philadelphia is 1,560,297 people.What time zone is Philadelphia located in?
The city of Philadelphia is located in the administrative time zone: UTC-5, in the summer UTC-4. Thus, you can determine the time difference in the city of Philadelphia, relative to the time zone in your city.Philadelphia area code
Telephone code Philadelphia city: 215, 267. In order to call the city of Philadelphia from a mobile phone, you need to dial the code: 215, 267 and then the subscriber’s number directly.Official website of the city of Philadelphia.
Website of the city of Philadelphia, official website of the city of Philadelphia, or as it is also called “Official website of the city of Philadelphia”: http://www.phila.gov/.Flag of the city of Philadelphia.
The flag of the city of Philadelphia is the official symbol of the city and is represented on the page as an image.Coat of arms of the city of Philadelphia.
In the description of the city of Philadelphia, the coat of arms of the city of Philadelphia is presented, which is the distinctive sign of the city.Subway in Philadelphia.
The subway in the city of Philadelphia is called the Philadelphia Metropolitan and is a means of public transportation.Philadelphia metro ridership (Philadelphia metro congestion) is 105.00 million people per year.
The number of subway lines in the city of Philadelphia is 2 lines. The total number of subway stations in Philadelphia is 53. The length of subway lines or the length of subway tracks is: 40.00 km.
Situated between New York and Washington, Philadelphia is unfairly overlooked, but that's what makes it a hidden gem. Philadelphia is often called the "city of small towns": when you get into the center, you will find it hard to believe that it is the fifth most populous city in the United States. It’s quieter, calmer, more hospitable, more soulful here, and locals affectionately call Philadelphia “Philly.” The scale and heterogeneous dynamics of the city are determined by the districts of which it is composed: each with exceptional aesthetics and atmosphere. It is difficult to lure here with words and pictures, the real beauty of Philly is revealed gradually. With our guide, you can take the first step towards mutual understanding with the city.
Guide contents:
The city has an international airport, Philadelphia International Airport, but fly from Minsk or any other European capital to Philadelphia is unreasonably expensive: a round trip ticket will cost you more than $1000. Tickets to New York turn out to be a more budget option: for example "UIA", Lot And Lufthansa They regularly offer options with departure from Minsk (round trip for just under $500). When flying from Moscow, you can save about $100 more. Even more attractive options can be found with Norwegian flying from the capitals of Northern Europe.
The road from New York to Philly takes 2.5-3 hours. The most popular bus carrier is Greyhound. Prices range from $10 to $18, and buses depart almost every hour from Port Authority Bus Terminal(625 8th Ave) and take you to Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal (1001 Filbert St) in the center: here you have Wi-Fi to call Uber, and the metro is a two-minute walk away. Carriers are also popular Boltbus And Megabus. Sometimes you can save a couple of dollars with them, but keep in mind that they drop you off at John F Kennedy Blvd & 30th St, which is further from the center, there is no Internet, and it takes longer to get to the metro.
There is also an option by train Amtrak, which departs once an hour from Penn Station in New York and takes you to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.
This is a faster, more comfortable and in some ways even more aesthetically pleasing option: the Art Deco-style station is decorated with massive columns, golden ornaments and impressive sculptures, one of which bears the very appropriate name - Spirit of Transportation - and occupies a huge a niche in the wall, which is more reminiscent of a museum hall than a station building. However, it will cost more: the most cheap ticket the train from New York costs $48.
Philadelphia has a public transportation system SEPTA, which includes the metro, buses, trams and electric trains. A subway or bus ride costs $2.25. If you are going to travel outside the city, the price of the trip will increase depending on the zone.
Bicycles are very popular in Philadelphia and are a full-fledged form of transport. The city has a convenient system of bicycle paths, and car drivers are quite friendly and attentive to cyclists. The city has a bicycle rental system Indego, but their rates are not very affordable: renting a bike for half an hour will cost you $4.
Philadelphia is ideal for walking (which is not the case with most American cities). The center and main attractions are located quite densely and compactly, so it won’t be difficult for you to explore Philly on your own two feet.
What Philadelphia can certainly be praised for is its rising prices. This is not New York! In the city center you can easily find an Airbnb for $50 per night.
Renting a room on campus will cost $20. And this is generally a kosher option: next door is an American student for practice, next door to a university campus for an exciting walk, and then look, you can look into the university itself to find out about the conditions of admission for foreigners! Walking into a student party won't be too difficult either.
Philadelphia is not rich in hostels: there are only about five in the whole city. The average price is $20 per bed per night.
The Philadelphia House (17 North 2nd Street)- the most popular hostel in Philly. Located in the center, the price for a bed for the night will cost $20. The hostel has a 24-hour reception, a large shared kitchen (tea, coffee, cereal and toast for breakfast), a lounge area where all travelers hang out. If you come to Philadelphia by Greyhound, you can walk to the hostel in 10 minutes.
Next door to the hostel is Book Trader - an excellent bookstore on two floors with used books on any topic! There are many independent designer boutiques and galleries scattered nearby. On this same street, new exhibitions open every first Friday of the month, galleries open their doors and work for free until late, treat visitors to snacks and sometimes even alcohol, and live music often plays on the street.
City House Hostels: Old City Philly (325 Cherry Street). Another great option for lovers of fun companies and inexpensive accommodation is beds for $20, spartan conditions and wild parties in common areas in the evenings. Ideal if you come alone.
Apple Hostels of Philadelphia (32 South Bank Street) . All a backpacker needs is a bed in the city center at a good price, a large common area and kitchen, video games, laundry, free tea and coffee. Sometimes they can treat you to dinner. When ordering, please note: the price often does not include a 15% tax.
La Reserve Bed and Breakfast (1804 Pine Street). Beautiful period style rooms with fireplaces and 1880's tiles. A sumptuous breakfast is included in the room rate. For a double room you will pay $128, but it will be worth it.
Don't shy away from couchsurfing. Philly locals here are very friendly hippy liberals. Most will happily take you around the city and will make sure that you get the right insight not only into the city as a whole, but in particular into the area in which you are staying.
Philadelphia's main pride is its rich history by American standards. Philadelphia was the first capital of the United States. The locals will remind you of this more than once, they will proudly declare that Philly is the cradle of American democracy and will direct you to its main symbol - Liberty Bell(Liberty Bell) (6th St & Market St). Its ringing marked the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately, you can only hear this ringing on a recording, because even during the life of George Washington (they say that right on his birthday) the bell cracked. Since then, they no longer call it, but cherish it like the apple of their eye, and even moved it from Independence Hall to a separate pavilion across the street.
Coffee in America is a real cult. An American can't imagine starting the morning without grabbing a cup of coffee on the way to work. The European tendency to see coffee as an excuse for communication and the opportunity to imposingly sip a drink from a glass container is gradually beginning to supplant the American style of drinking coffee on the go from disposable cups.
There are plenty of quirky, independent coffee shops to be found in every Philadelphia neighborhood. Let us repeat that Philly is an extremely liberal city, and even when buying coffee, a Philadelphia resident thinks about who will profit from his choice: a corporation like Starbucks or an independent coffee shop that is trying its best to resist competition.
Philadelphians are very proud of their local coffee brand, La Colombe. It is this that, as a gesture of patriotism, is brewed in most coffee shops in the city. The brand also has its own coffee shops, where you can try different types of coffee and buy a package of coffee as a gift for a coffee lover (they will immediately grind it for you for a drip machine, espresso or Turkish coffee).
The most impressive, also the largest in the city, coffee shop La Colombe located in Fishtown (1335 Frankford Ave). The inconspicuous red brick building does not stand out particularly from the row of warehouses located here. But once you get inside, you find yourself in a space that is amazing in its scale, where there is an oven and a stand for fresh pastries, a kitchen and even a laboratory for studying and inventing new varieties of coffee (by the way, La Colombe even has a special variety called Fishtown). Their baked goods are amazing: a sandwich on a crispy baguette or a bun will ideally complement an aromatic cup of coffee.
From a gastronomic point of view, Philadelphia is a recognized food tourism destination in the States. Go have dinner at Villa di Roma (936 S 9th St) and try their spaghetti and meatballs. The interiors are old-fashioned and not particularly sophisticated, but once you taste the homemade pasta, hot tomato sauce and three-meat meatballs, you won't care. One serving costs $15, but be sure that you will have more than enough of it and you won’t want to eat anymore that evening.
Nomad Pizza (611 S 7th St and 1305 Locust St) - a pizzeria adored by locals. Many will tell you that this is where they make the best pizza in the city. The place is truly unique: a huge brick oven with burning wood is located right in the dining room, and you can see with your own eyes how the pizzeria puts your Margherita in the oven.
The choice of salads is also no different: Caesar with dried kale and anchovies or salad with Roquefort cheese, pears, pecans and dried cranberries. For dessert there is pizza with Nuttella, bananas and hazelnuts or homemade tiramisu. Prices for pizza start at $13, salads around $10-12, wine $7-8, beer $6. If you want to save money, pay attention to happy hour: from 5-7 pm you can order a classic pizza for $10 , beer for $4, wine for $5.
Asian cuisine is the most inexpensive and satisfying option for dinner. Naturally, Philadelphia, being a multicultural city, would not be complete without Chinatown, and, of course, here you can find restaurants specializing in the cuisine of various regions of Asia.
A Japanese restaurant is a win-win option. Terakawa Ramen on 204 North 9th street. Here, despite the cleanliness and interior design, you can have an inexpensive and tasty meal. The menu is based on traditional Japanese broth, which takes 2 days to prepare, and homemade egg noodles with various combinations of vegetables, mushrooms, meat and seafood. A large portion will cost you $9-10.
Bok bar(1901 South 9th Street) . South Philadelphia's unrivaled seasonal bar is located atop the Bok building, a massive eight-story former technical school. From the outside, the building even resembles something Soviet: its facade is decorated with scenes glorifying labor, but inside everything looks like a standard American school.
Enter the building through the central entrance and head to the elevator, where security will be waiting for you to check your ID. Make your way up to the 8th floor and prepare yourself for a view that will take your breath away: the expansive open rooftop overlooks all of Philadelphia. Buy a glass of beer ($5-6) or a glass of wine at the bar and sit back at one of the many tables or bar counters to admire the city. Try to come here shortly before sunset, because at this time there are not so many people here. The bar is open from May to September.
Not far away is another tasty piece of South Philadelphia - a miniature bar Fountain Porter (1601 S 10th St). Initially there was secret place meetings of local connoisseurs of vinyl and craft beer: the bar plays exclusively vinyl from the author’s record collection sitting on the window sill near the bar, and the prices for alcohol ($4-6) and snacks ($5) are surprising in their affordability. Of course, the place soon gained popularity and began to attract more people. Fortunately, this did not affect the special musical atmosphere of the bar and low prices.
Time (1315 Sansom St)- an incomparable bar-restaurant in the city center. Every evening, experts and novice musicians play live jazz here for free. The musical atmosphere is unique and attracts many people, making it very difficult to get a seat at a table or bar.
Prices for alcohol and snacks, as everywhere else, average $5 for beer, $7 for wine, $10 for a cocktail, snacks within $10. During happy hour, prices are a couple of dollars lower.
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N Front St)- underground bar in Fishtown. The location itself - on a street corner under a bridge - hints at the atmosphere of grunge and punk that reigns there. Here you can regularly hear experimental music from independent bands, such as psychedelic rock with folk elements from Japan.
A little life hack for those traveling to Philly in the summer: check the location of the seasonal beer gardens. This is a very cool project that local gardening partnerships help organize. They beautify open spaces and turn them into hippy spots where it's nice to have a drink on a warm summer evening.
Variety is the best word to describe shopping in America. Here you will be offered 500 options for every taste and budget, all you have to do is make a choice. Choice is another key word.
Lately it has become fashionable to do it deliberately. So, when choosing a new lipstick, a conscious American woman will choose a brand that does not test cosmetics on animals. When buying clothes, accessories, interior decorations, a true liberal and hippie will consciously want to bring profit to the designer, and not to a corporation that viciously exploits cheap labor in third world countries to create copied models. This ethical and noble approach to consumption is admirable, but be prepared that the price for a clear conscience may seem too high.
Main shopping streets Philadelphia is considered to be Market and Chestnut. They are home to the famous department stores Macy's and Bloomingdale's, as well as many affordable brands like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters.
There are also shops like Century 21 (821 Market St), where you can buy designer items from old collections with 70-80% discounts.
If you like handmade things, then you can look into Ten Thousand Villages (1122 Walnut St). This is one of those places that is trying to take an alternative approach to international trade and support designers and artists from countries where their work is not properly compensated. When buying a piece of jewelry or decorative item, you will receive a card with the name and contact information of the person who created it and, among other things, you will be sure that most of the profit will go to him and not to the store.
If you want to bring an original souvenir from Philadelphia, you'll probably like it at South Fellini (1507 E Passyunk Ave) . This tiny shop specializes in T-shirts, pins, patches, bags and prints with in-jokes and offbeat Philadelphia symbols. For example, T-shirts with the inscription jawn, which is translated from local slang as « thing » or « thing » (in no other city in the USA will you hear such a word). An original souvenir would be a bag with the inscription Philadelphia versus the world or a patch with a portrait of Edgar Allan Poe, who, by luck, lived and worked in Philadelphia for several years.
Philadelphia has a whole network of affordable vintage shops Jinxed. There are only five of them and they are located in different parts of the city, so look at which one is closest to you. Posters, books, clothes, paintings, dishes, interior items, and cameras are sold here. All items are in good condition.
A great place to go shopping for vintage clothing, shoes and accessories is Retrospect (508 South St). Here you can grab a cool denim jacket, a decent pair of jeans for next to nothing, and still have some left over for a flannel shirt and a bohemian scarf.
A few steps from Retrospect is Philly Aids Thrift (710 S 5th St)- a real trashy two-story rift store, in which you need to dig hard to find something worthwhile, but if you do find it, you’ll pick it up for next to nothing. All items come to the store as donations for AIDS patients, and a certain percentage of sales goes directly to their treatment.
If you like all sorts of bohemian things, then you will definitely like it in Eye's Gallery (402 South St). The store belongs to the wife of the same artist who saved the street from demolition and ennobled it with his ceramic and glass mosaics. Decorating the front of the store was one of his first creative projects. The three-story store is more reminiscent of an exotic market and mainly specializes in handmade items, jewelry, and decorative arts from India and Latin America.
After walking a couple of blocks south, you will come across Moon+Arrow (754 S 4th St). Cool store with beautiful vintage clothing, handmade accessories made from natural materials and precious metals and various decorative items. The prices here are quite high, but reasonable.
Philadelphia is a paradise for music lovers and bookworms. If you are interested in literature, then immediately forget about stores like Barnes & Noble, where a new book costs on average $15-20: any reading Philadelphian will tell you that this is a robbery. Instead, go to used bookstores.
Mostly Books (529 Bainbridge St)- a huge space with books on any topic. Here you can spend hours moving from room to room, sorting through books. The prices are incredibly affordable, and you can walk out of here with classics of world literature, books on art, works of great philosophers and poets, and basically anything else without hurting your pocket.
There's an interesting bookstore a couple blocks from Mostly Books Wooden Shoe Books (704 South St). He is notable for his specialization in anarchist and radical literature. It exists as a non-profit organization and operates thanks to the activities of volunteers.
In the old town there is a two-story bookstore Book Trader (7 N 2nd St) with a very convenient classification of books and affordable prices. We advise you to think in advance about the authors you are interested in, otherwise you will simply get lost in the maze of bookshelves. There is also a separate room with records, and on the ground floor next to the art section there are stands with very nice postcards.
Philadelphia was founded by representatives of the Christian Quaker movement on the site of an old Swedish settlement. In the first years of the city's existence, immigrants from different European countries arrived here. Within 100 years the city had become one of the largest North American colonies.
Philadelphia is known throughout the world because the independence of the United States of America was declared here in 1776. The main attractions associated with this grand event: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, National Center Constitution. The entire history of the city is imbued with the spirit of freedom, democracy and civil society.
There are also museums and galleries in Philadelphia that display valuable works of art. Their rich collections attract a considerable number of tourists every year.
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What to see and where to go in Philadelphia?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall in 1776, and the US Constitution in 1787. Today the building is part of a historical park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was built in 1753 according to the design of E. Woolley and E. Hamilton in the Gregorian style. After the reconstruction of 1820, Independence Hall acquired the features of classicism, but in 1950 it was restored to its historical appearance.
One of the main symbols of the struggle for freedom. In 1776, the ringing of bells summoned the residents of Philadelphia to the announcement of the Declaration of Independence. The total weight of the bell is about 950 kg, the diameter is 3.7 meters. Since 1976, it has been housed in a specially built pavilion (previously the alarm was located in one of the halls of Independence Hall). Every year on July 4th, Independence Day, the bell is struck 13 times.
The town hall was erected at the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th centuries according to the design of D. MacArthur Jr. in the architectural style of the Second Empire. It was planned that this building would be the largest in the world, but even during the construction process it was surpassed by the Eiffel Tower. The town hall is topped with an 11-meter statue of the city's founder, W. Penn. The building is listed as a US National Historic Landmark.
The prison existed from 1829 to 1969. Many famous criminals were kept there. Until 1993, the prison buildings stood in disrepair; in 1994, a museum was opened on the territory, which today is visited by several tens of thousands of people a year. In 1929, the famous gangster Al Capone sat here. Tourists can tour his cell, which is elegantly furnished with wooden furniture.
An unusual house located on one of the city streets has the romantic name “Magic Gardens”. Its walls are completely covered with pieces of tiles and glass, and the courtyard is a bizarre labyrinth with stairs, grottoes and terraces. Towards the creation of this amazing place The avant-garde artist I. Zagar, who lived for a long time in Latin America, had a hand in it.
The gallery was founded in 1876. Its opening was timed to coincide with the World's Fair, the date of which coincided with the centenary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since 1928, the museum has been housed in a monumental classical building on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Its collection contains more than 200 thousand works of art brought from different continents. The museum has research laboratories and a library.
A politician and leader of the War of Independence in the United States, B. Franklin was also a good inventor. It was his work that formed the basis of the museum collection of the Franklin Institute. Also presented here are the inventions of scientists of the 18th – 20th centuries and innovative technologies of our time. The museum has a planetarium and a Dinosaur Hall, which will be especially interesting for visitors with children.
The foundation is a museum and art school. It was founded in 1922 by collector and inventor A.C. Barnes in the Philadelphia suburb of Merion. In the 1990s, the foundation was moved to the city center, as the original location turned out to be unsuccessful. The museum exhibits a collection of French paintings from the 19th – 20th centuries, including works by Matisse, Cézanne and Renoir. There are also ancient artifacts and decorative arts from America and Europe.
The museum's collection is dedicated to the work of the French sculptor O. Rodin, who made an invaluable contribution to world art. In addition to the master’s works, the gallery exhibits engravings, letters and books. The idea to found a museum belonged to the philanthropist J. Mastbaum, who collected works by Rodin and wanted to donate his collection to the city. Unfortunately, he never lived to see the opening in 1929.
A natural science museum dedicated to medical pathologies, located at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. In addition to biological exhibits (preserved organs and tissues), ancient equipment and wax models are exhibited here. The collection was created for scientific purposes, but then it turned into a museum open to everyone.
The museum's collection consists of exhibits that were found during archaeological expeditions of the early 20th century. Scientists visited Africa, Mesopotamia, Latin America and East Asia, from where they brought many interesting artifacts: mummies, Indian religious objects, musical instruments, ancient coins and other antiquities. In total there were about 400 such expeditions.
Philadelphia Conservatory, home of the local symphony orchestra. The building was built in 2001 according to the design of the American architect R. Viñoly. The center consists of two halls: the first can accommodate 2.5 thousand spectators, the second – 650. The main architectural element of the building is an impressive glass dome, made up of several dozen arches interconnected.
The Academy was founded in 1805 for the purpose of promoting and supporting the artistic arts by a group of Pennsylvania patrons and painters. Painting classes began working in 1810, and in 1811 the museum organized its first exhibition. Towards the end of the 19th century, the academy moved to a two-story mansion built in a luxurious Victorian style. Today this educational institution is considered one of the best in the field of art.
The university was founded in the mid-18th century as a charitable school before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Its first leader was Benjamin Franklin himself. The names of many political figures who played an important role in US history are associated with this educational institution. Some of the university's faculties and laboratories are located in picturesque Gothic and Victorian buildings.
The temple was built in 1846 according to the model of the Lombard Church of St. Charles, which is located in Rome. The building has pronounced features of the classical style: a row of Corinthian columns on the central facade, a triangular pediment and a round central dome. Interior decoration It is distinguished by luxury and variety: the ceiling is tiled, the dome above the altar is made of Italian marble, and the benches for the congregation are made of walnut.
Headquarters and main temple The Masonic Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Meetings of this order are held regularly here. The building was built in 1873 according to the design of H. D. Norman in the neo-Renaissance style. The unusual architecture and rich interior make the Masonic Temple one of the most picturesque in Pennsylvania. Moreover, it is a National Historic Landmark.
The temple was built in the 18th century in the Gregorian style, modeled on London churches. Even in the colonial era, it became an important spiritual center of the state, as it was often visited by prominent political figures: D. Washington, B. Franklin, T. Jefferson, as well as 15 patriots and revolutionaries who later signed the US Declaration of Independence. B. Franklin's grave is located in the church cemetery.
A museum entirely dedicated to the American Constitution. His collection consists of photographs, texts and presentations that tell the history of this document and its importance to the entire nation. The museum halls are imbued with the spirit of patriotism, which is easily picked up even by foreign tourists. After examining the collection, it becomes clear why Americans are instilled with active citizenship from childhood.
It is believed that it was Betsy Ross who became the author of the American flag (its first version, where 13 stars symbolizing the states are located in a circle). Although many historians doubt that it was Betsy who came up with the design of the banner, no one has officially refuted this version. In one of the city houses near the historical park there is a museum named after this woman. Her grave is located in the courtyard under a large elm tree.
One of the oldest streets in the USA, which was built up in 1728 - 1836. The old station building is also located here. Each building is unique in its own way, all together they create the atmosphere of past centuries and send the tourist back in time: to the colonial era, the first years of independence, as well as the difficult period of the Great Depression. Elfreth's Alley is a National Historic Landmark.
The largest and busiest station in Pennsylvania, which receives dozens of trains from different US cities every day. The architecture of the building has some features of the classical style, but overall the building looks grandiose and quite laconic. The station was built in the 1930s. It was the last railway station to be designed in such a monumental manner.
Large indoor market where you can buy a variety of farm products and prepared foods. There is also a large selection of seafood and specialty foods produced by the Amish religious community. Once upon a time, there was a station building on the site of the market, so here you can not only have a delicious lunch, but also admire the historical interiors. Even if shopping is not part of your plans, it is simply pleasant to wander around the market.
The baseball stadium where the Philadelphia Phillies play. The arena was built to replace the old Veterans Stadium, which was closed in 2004. The stands of Citizens Bank Park can accommodate about 44 thousand spectators. Near the stadium there are sports fields for American football, basketball and baseball. There is a large parking space and convenient entrances for visitors.
The park covers an area of 92 acres, where exotic and rare plants grow. Its territory is divided into four zones: the rose garden, the Japanese garden, the English garden and the swan lake. The landscape design of the park is created in the Victorian style. The Morris Arboretum is great for a relaxing walk with family or friends. To enjoy the beauty of nature, you need to set aside several hours to visit the park.
The city zoo is considered the oldest in the United States - it was created at the beginning of the 19th century. Its territory is home to dozens of species of animals from all over the world: pandas, polar bears, white lions and other rare specimens. In total, more than 2000 individuals live here. The animals are placed in spacious enclosures, thanks to which they feel quite free. The zoo has created a comfortable infrastructure for visitors.
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(English) Philadelphia[ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə]) is one of the oldest cities, the fifth largest city in the country by population and the most populated city. Located on the Delaware River off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
Philadelphia is rich in history and culture. In the historical part of the city, the atmosphere of a small and quiet town still reigns, as was Philadelphia and other colonial cities during the formation of the United States of America.
Founded in 1682 by William Penn. It has the nickname "City of Brotherly Love" ( Φιλαδέλφεια in Greek means "brotherly love"), this is due to the fact that the city was founded by settlers who belonged to the Protestant Quaker community (in the USA it is still unofficially called Quakertown - "Quaker city"). In 1776, in Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress of the thirteen North American states adopted the Declaration of Independence. In 1776, 1777, 1778-1783 and 1790-1800, Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States.
One of the city's famous residents was Benjamin Franklin.
Significance in the formation of US statehood
- The main historical landmark of Philadelphia and the USA is Independence Hall ( Independence Hall), where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, and the US Constitution in 1787.
- Next to the two-story Independence Hall building with a bell tower, in a special pavilion there is the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence, the ringing of which on July 8, 1776 announced the announcement of the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776.
- The Hall of Congress is also located there, where the Bill of Rights was signed.
- And also there are the Second Bank of the United States, the Portrait Gallery, Old Church Joseph's Church, and the Betsy Ross House Museum.
All these attractions are surrounded by green spaces, forming several park blocks in the city center.
Other attractions
Philadelphia Alfort Alley ( English) is the oldest street in the United States. Its 30 houses were built in 1728-1836. Famous city landmarks include the Penn Center, Powell House, Italian Market, Acquarama, Elfreth's Alley, and the nation's first department store, Wanamaker's. ) is a popular meeting place in downtown Philadelphia.
Philosophy Hall still hosts meetings of the First Philosophical Society of the United States, founded by Benjamin Franklin. Philadelphia is home to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel Institute of Technology, Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences - a total of 88 universities and colleges.
Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world. The country's oldest zoo is located on its territory (founded in 1874).
Philadelphia is now obsessed with restoring its old splendor and beauty. Everything from the thriving neighborhoods that form Central City to the stunning historic buildings are being restored and restored. The granite and white marble City Hall will finally be able to show off its tall tower, which has been encased in scaffolding for years. The renovated Philadelphia Main Station now looks as it did during the Great Depression.
More than any other city, Philadelphia exemplifies the history of American architecture. Main Street in Manayunk has been named one of the top ten best streets in America, thanks to its 19th-century buildings filled with shops, art galleries and beer gardens.
The arts thrive here, primarily in the theaters and performance centers built along the Avenue of the Arts. And the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Philadelphia Opera, as well as jazz studios and dramatic and musical theaters settled on Broad Street. This city has a thriving culinary scene, with locals enjoying delicacies like cheesesteaks, big sandwiches, and hot pretzels.
Philadelphia was the headquarters of the Pennsylvania Railroad, founded in 1846. This company owned an extensive network of railroads in the northeastern part of the United States. During the years of its greatest prosperity, this railway company controlled about 16,000 km of railways, and up to 250 thousand workers and employees worked there. In 1968, the company merged with the Central company Railway New York and ceased to exist.
Museums
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Rodin Museum (Philadelphia)
- Barnes Foundation
- University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology
- Mütter Museum of Medical History - museum of medical pathologies, antique medical equipment and biological exhibits located in the College of Physicians
- The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is the oldest art museum and art school in the United States.
- Institute of Contemporary Art ( English) - abbr. ICA, a contemporary art museum located on one of the campuses of the University of Pennsylvania.
Orthodox churches
- St. Andrew's Cathedral (Philadelphia)
Philadelphia City Transportation
The Philadelphia Subway opened in 1907, becoming the 4th in the United States. Philadelphia is served by two high-speed subway lines and five underground-surface streetcar lines. The total length of the system is 84 kilometers, the number of stations is 85.
- The Market-Frankford line is shown in blue on the map. From the terminal station in the west of the city, “69 Street,” it goes east, after 46 Street it goes underground, passing in the city center under Market Street. After the 2nd Street station, the line turns north and resurfaces, passing to the city limits along an overpass over Frankford Street. Transfer to the Broad Street Line at the 15th Street Station. The first section of "69 Street" - "15 Street" opened in 1907.
- The Broad Street Line, marked in orange, runs through the city from north to south under the street of the same name. The entire line is underground except for the northern terminus, Fern Rock, whose concourse is on the surface. It has a branch (Broad-Ridge Spur) to the east near the center. Transfers to the Market-Frankford Line are available at City Hall Station. The first site was opened in 1928.
Tram routes, shown in green on the map, run parallel to the metro lines in a tunnel under the city center. Outside the center they move along the surface.
Philadelphia is also served by many bus routes. Route numbering is continuous.
The Philadelphia suburbs are served by 8 electric train routes called Regional Rail. One of them goes to the state of New Jersey, the city of Trenton. From there you can take a similar electric train to New York. Like the German Es-Bahn, Philadelphia is not the end of the routes, but the place where they all intersect. They are indicated on the map by thin blue lines.
Norristown Express Line is a commuter tram line to Norristown. Indicated in purple.
Also, like the Interstate Metro PATH, New York - New Jersey between Philadelphia and the cities of New Jersey), located on the other side of the Delaware River, the PATCO line runs. Port Authority Transit Corporation- Port Authority Transit Corporation). This line runs from downtown to the southwest, crossing the Delaware River on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. It is marked in red on the map. The first section of this line opened in 1938.
All routes except PATCO are owned by SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority)
Philadelphia in culture
Literature
- The action of Dreiser's novel "The Financier" takes place in Philadelphia in the 1850s - 1870s. In this novel, the main character, entrepreneur Frank Cowperwood, begins his commercial activities, dealing in securities transactions and developing the city's horse-drawn railways.
Movie
- The film Philadelphia takes place in Philadelphia, 1993. In this film, the main character, lawyer Andrew Beckitt (Tom Hanks), fights the company that fired him because he has HIV (AIDS).
- "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" series.
- The Rocky film series: Rocky, Rocky 2, Rocky 3, Rocky 4, Rocky 5, Rocky Balboa and Creed: The Rocky Legacy.
- A significant part of the films directed by M Night Shyamalan, such as The Sixth Sense (1999), Unbreakable (2000), etc.
- Philadelphia is the setting of the thriller Law Abiding Citizen (2009).
- Series "Investigation on the body."
Sights of Philadelphia. The most important and interesting sights of Philadelphia - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.
- Last minute tours Worldwide
What kind of America do we know today? Progressive, democratic, strong and, above all, independent. Raise the country to this level high level is by no means simple. Philadelphia played an important role in the formation of the state. It was here that the most important events took place that changed the course of history. It was in this American city that the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
Despite the fact that Philadelphia is one of the five largest and most populous metropolitan areas in the country, it will seem like a quiet and cozy town.
Despite the fact that Philadelphia is one of the five largest and most populous metropolitan areas in the country, and, moreover, at one time it was the “first lady” North America- the capital of the USA, it will seem to you a quiet and cozy town. Although, it is worth noting that this aristocratic modesty suits her. President Benjamin Franklin passionately loved this city from the age of 17, so he did a lot for it: he opened a university, a library, and built many buildings. Since then, Philadelphia has begun to develop as an industrial and financial center, without losing its status as America's cultural pearl.
In Philadelphia, nothing will stop you from enjoying the unique atmosphere of spiritual comfort, because the frantic pace of life in megacities is unfamiliar to this city. Here you can stroll along the alleys of amazing parks, visit many museums and get acquainted with the main city attractions that will tell you about the history of America.
Top attractions in Philadelphia
The famous Independence Hall is a symbol of US freedom and the city's most important landmark. It was in this building in the Assembly Hall (Meeting Hall of the Continental Congress) that the most important documents in the history of the country were signed, forever changing its life and position in the world: the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the US Constitution (1787). In addition to the meeting room of the Continental Congress, the Supreme Court Room, as well as the Governor’s Council Chamber and the Committee of Assembly Chamber are open to the public. Next to Independence Hall is the Liberty Bell, which in 1776 notified citizens with a loud ringing of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
The famous Independence Hall is a symbol of US freedom and the city's most important landmark.
The amazing Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest street in the city. Walking along this cobblestone alley makes you feel like you're in 18th-century Philadelphia, as most of the picturesque buildings on this oldest street date back to the 1730s. Some may even get the feeling that Elfreth’s Alley is a doll country: the houses on this street, when compared with modern residential areas, are very tiny and a little fairy-tale-like. Happy holidays are often held on Elfreth’s Alley, and two days a year the residents of the famous street open the doors of their cozy houses for tourists and tell incredible stories about his hometown and the exploits of his ancestors.
In addition to Elfreth’s Alley and Independence Hall, there is another interesting attraction in the old part of the city - Betsy Ross House. According to legend, in the mid-18th century there lived a girl named Betsy who sewed the first American flag in history.
Places for the soul
Philadelphia is home to about 20 churches from different eras that house ancient artifacts. By the way, the Church of God's Glory is considered the oldest in the state of Pennsylvania, and the Church on Old Pine Street is the only Presbyterian church in the city.
Philadelphia is home to about 20 churches from different eras that house ancient artifacts.
However, you can rest your soul not only in churches, but also in Philadelphia parks and gardens. The famous Bartrams Garden and Fairmount Park will amaze you with their amazing landscape and rich flora.
Philadelphia Museums
One of the most famous art galleries is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This museum is famous for its stunning collections of impressionists and surrealists, as well as a large collection of paintings by the eccentric Van Gogh. In addition to this luxurious museum, art lovers will be interested in visiting The Rodin Museum, Arthur Ross Gallery and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, which display paintings by the greatest artists and sculptors of different eras.
Philadelphia is rich in treasuries of times and peoples. All types of museums are presented in abundance on its territory: historical, scientific and art.
Among scientific museums, one of the most worthy is the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology (Museum of Anthropology and Archeology). This place surprises with a huge number of amazing exhibits brought from different parts of our planet. It seems that there is absolutely everything here: from Indian totems to Egyptian mummies. Science museums Philadelphia is famous for its interactive exhibits.
For example, at the Franklin Institute Science Museum you can go inside a huge human heart or the core of the Earth, and at the children's museum Please Touch Museum you can touch absolutely everything.
The theme of many of Philadelphia's historical museums is national cultural heritage various countries. Particularly popular among them are the African - American Museum in Philadelphia (African American Museum) and the National Museum of American Jewish History (Jewish National Museum), which presents photographs, artifacts and objects of applied art of peoples living in America. Here you can watch thematic films and listen to lectures about the life and everyday life of entire nations and their struggle for civil rights.
Where to go with children
A visit to the Adventure Aquarium, famous for its stunning seascapes and stunning 4D cinema, will give a lot of positive emotions to both children and their parents. The aquarium is home to more than 8,000 representatives of the underwater world. Some fish and animals are allowed to be fed and even touched, which brings incomparable pleasure to small and large visitors.
A visit to the Adventure Aquarium, famous for its stunning seascapes and stunning 4D cinema, will give a lot of positive emotions to both children and their parents.
In addition to this exciting attraction, be sure to visit the Philly Zoo. This is America's oldest menagerie, home to more than 2 thousand fauna - animals, birds and reptiles. The pride of the zoo are its unique white lions.
Philadelphia: just the way it is
To get around all the attractions of Philadelphia, you will need considerable patience and a large number of free days, weeks or even months. Indeed, in addition to the main tourist places there are libraries, theaters, cinemas, beautiful bridges, cultural and entertainment centers, many shops and restaurants. All of them deserve the proud status of city landmarks; without them, Philadelphia would not be the Philadelphia that Americans are so proud of and which so impresses us, sophisticated tourists from all corners of the globe.