Philadelphia Architectural Style Bonus Hike 1 of 2: Italianate Buildings

2-3 hours; 2-3 miles; brisk pace between stops; best examples of Italianate architecture in Philadelphia's Old City and Northern Liberties neighborhoods; late lunch afterward if there's interest.

We're doing a mini-cycle of 2 hikes devoted to the hidden gems of Philadelphia architecture. For these hikes we'll focus on the smaller-scale jewel box buildings that pop up all around Center City. We'll start with gems in the Italianate style, built between about 1840 and 1885. These graceful buildings feature beautiful arches and tall windows and look almost like an Italian villa!

After we gather, we'll hike over to Old City, home to the densest cluster of lovely Italianate apartment houses and commercial buildings in the city. For every building we stop to discuss, there are several other gems that we'll just enjoy as we go by them. Then we'll head up to Northern Liberties to check out Italianate treasures that you won't have seen if you're only familiar with Philadelphia's historic district.

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 ALL NEW buildings that we haven't visited previously. Everyone is 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 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.