Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the United States—and for that very reason, one of the most fascinating destinations for travelers. In the historic Old City, the atmosphere of a quiet, cozy provincial town has been carefully preserved: cobblestone streets, narrow lanes, and colonial-era buildings, many of them constructed from distinctive red brick.
The city was founded in 1682 by William Penn, a figure still highly respected in early American history. A committed pacifist, Penn envisioned Philadelphia as a refuge for free and peaceful people arriving from Europe. The colony he established later became known as the state of Pennsylvania.
William Penn is remembered as one of the earliest and most outspoken advocates of religious freedom and democratic principles. The ideas laid out in the constitution of his new colony became foundational elements of the future U.S. Constitution. In 1776, Philadelphia became the stage for one of the most important moments in American history: representatives of thirteen North American colonies gathered here to adopt the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming independence from Great Britain.
During the formative years of the young nation, Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States at various times between 1776 and 1800. In those years, all three branches of the federal government—legislative, executive, and judicial—were based here, making the city the true political heart of the country.
More than almost any other American city, Philadelphia stands as a living monument to U.S. architectural history. It reflects both the early days of the nation in the 18th century—following independence from Britain—and the later era of dramatic urban growth during the skyscraper boom of the 1930s and 1940s. This striking contrast between low-rise historic brick townhouses and towering glass-and-steel skyscrapers reaching into the clouds is exactly what draws visitors from around the world and gives Philadelphia its unique, timeless character.