Philadelphia Architecture Hike 4 of 12: Best of Italianate Style

3-4 hours, 5-6 miles, brisk pace between stops, best examples of Italianate architecture in Philadelphia, lunch afterward if there's interest.

Have you ever noticed how many buildings in Philadelphia feature beautiful arches and look almost like an Italian villa? These buildings are in the Italianate style and were built between about 1840 and 1885. Italianate rowhomes and stores with tall, elegant windows and bracketed cornices beautify the city's streets in every direction from City Hall.

First we'll hike toward Rittenhouse to check out three of the loveliest Italianate townhouses in Philadelphia. Then we'll head to Washington Square to visit my favorite Italianate building in the city . . . an institution that has probably taught more Americans to read than any other organization. Afterward we'll wrap around east of City Hall to enjoy a series of arched wonders, one of them a full block long! Finally we'll work our way into the heart of Old City for amazing Italianate commercial buildings that passers-by often miss because they're looking at the ground-floor storefronts. The real show is above the display windows.

We will move quickly between locations, while stopping for enough time to enjoy and discuss each one. As always, 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 30 min - 1 hour extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. ••For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2026), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (2152474459) or at mrbasketball.net/HIKEpay.html. Yearly donation $15 July-Aug; $10 Sept-Nov; Dec new year. Thanks.