Philadelphia Architecture Hike 5 of 13: Best of Renaissance Revival Style

2-3 hours, 2.5-3 miles, brisk pace between stops, best examples of Renaissance Revival architecture in Philadelphia, lunch afterward if there's interest.

Philadelphia is not often compared to Venice, but on this hike we'll be visiting buildings that look like they were plucked directly from a Venetian piazza! These buildings are in the Renaissance Revival architectural style, which was at its height in Philadelphia between about 1860 and 1890.

From our starting place we'll hike west toward City Hall to admire two of the city's best buildings, one with the most incredible stone-carving I've seen in Philadelphia. Afterward we'll head into the heart of Rittenhouse Square to check out a series of drop-dead gorgeous private homes in the Renaissance Revival style. You'll find it hard to believe that these opulent mansions were built for just a single family!

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 (Sidney Goldstein 215-247-4459). Please text Sidney after you donate so he can properly give you credit. The yearly donation goes down to $15 in July; to $10 in Sept-Nov; Dec new year. Thanks.