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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church Natl Historic Site |
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Christopher Columbus Blvd and Washington Ave, c/o Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-389-1513 or 215-597-1293
Fax: 215-597-1416
Open All Year
Overview. The oldest church in Pennsylvania and the second oldest Swedish church in the U.S., this edifice, an excellent example of 17th-century Swedish church design, still houses an active congregation. Built in 1700, the present building contains artifacts from an earlier log church, including the baptismal font, paintings, the tongue of the original bell, and other items of spiritual and historic interest. The church has been designated as a National Historic Site, but is owned and administered by its congregation, not the National Park Service. It is included as an important stop on many Philadelphia architectural tours.
What to see and do. The church and grounds are open to the public daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. You are welcome to take in the church's famous architectural design, view the artifacts on display in the building, and wander through the monuments in the churchyard. Self-guided tour brochures are available for the historic cemetary. Restrooms are available to visitors. Remember that this is a place of worship; respect the site and maintain a quiet demeanor, especially if services are in progress.
Although it is now an Episcopal church, they still observe Swedish religious traditions, one of which is the Feast of St. Lucia, celebrated on the weekend nearest to December 13 with a pageant of instrumental and vocal music. To obtain more information on this and other scheduled observances, please contact the church at 215-389-1513.
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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