Philadelphia Architectural Style Hike 2 of 7: Italianate vs. Renaissance Revival

3-4 hours; 4-5 miles; brisk pace between stops; best examples of Italianate and Renaissance Revival architecture in Philadelphia's Old City, Rittenhouse, and Center City neighborhoods; possibility of late lunch afterward if there's interest.

Have you ever noticed how many buildings in Philadelphia feature beautiful arches? Most of these buildings are either Italianate (built from about 1840 and 1885) or Renaissance Revival (built from about 1860 and 1890). The Italianate buildings will remind you of an Italian villa, while the Renaissance Revival buildings look like they have been plucked directly from a Venetian piazza. On this hike we'll visit the best examples of these two graceful styles, while comparing their similarities and differences.

After we gather, we'll head toward Washington Square to visit a lovely Italianate building and an equally lovely Renaissance Revival building that are within a block from each other. Then we'll take a jaunt down to Broad Street, over to Rittenhouse, and back to Market Street to enjoy a series of arched wonders, some of them a full block long. Then we'll work our way into the heart of Old City for amazing Italianate and Renaissance Revival commercial buildings that passers-by often miss because they're looking at the ground-floor storefronts. The real show is above the display windows.

If you haven't been on previous architecture style hikes with us, I guarantee you'll see Philadelphia from a new perspective. For those who have joined previous hikes, this hike features new buildings that we haven't visited previously. All are welcome!

As always, we will move quickly between buildings, but we'll also stop for enough time at each one to enjoy and discuss the wonderful craftsmanship. No knowledge of architecture is needed . . . just an interest in seeing beautiful places and a willingness to stay with the group.

GENERAL RULES : ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx: allow 30min -1hr extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. •• For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2025), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (2152474459) or at mrbasketball.net/HIKEpay.html . Thanks.
Yearly donation $15 July-Aug; $10 Sept-Nov; Dec new year.