Philadelphia Architecture Hike 7 of 13: Best of Romanesque Revival Style

2.5-3 hours, 3-4 miles, brisk pace between stops, best examples of Romanesque Revival architecture in Philadelphia, lunch afterward if there's interest.

If only there were an architectural style that combined the gravitas of Eastern State Penitentiary with the elegance of a Rittenhouse Square townhouse . . . Actually, this is a real style called Romanesque Revival, and it is the inspiration for dozens of incredible buildings constructed in Philadelphia between about 1840 and 1900.

After we meet, one of our first stops will be the Masonic Temple, which is famous for oddly unbalanced towers and a stunning front entryway. Then we'll admire *Philadelphia's Best Building* (according to me), which is tucked into a side street near City Hall and often overlooked. Next we'll hike around Rittenhouse Square to visit a series of beautiful churches and mansions, all outstanding examples of Romanesque Revival. Finally we'll "go medieval" and check out a castle in the heart of Center City . . . no joke!

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.