The United States was born in Philadelphia. Here, the independence from Great Britain was declared, the oldest street was built, the first Thanksgiving parade took place, and the first hospital was founded. And the first theater, the first prison (Al Capone was imprisoned), the first Stock Exchange, the first University, the first zoo, the first baseball team, the first Academy of Fine Arts, the first public library... This was all conceived by Benjamin Franklin, also considered the first American for his tireless fight for the unity of the 13 British colonies on the East Coast of North America, which would eventually create the nation on July 4, 1776, with Philadelphia as the capital. Not in vain, the scientist-politician-inventor died in 1790 in Philly, as the locals call the city that has been the stage for so many achievements. Moreover, it is the only metropolis in the country designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These are some of the curiosities of the most American city in America due to the historical significance it holds. It is also known for being among the most tolerant and open cities. It carries this in its name since the English Quaker William Penn, persecuted for his beliefs in his homeland, founded it in 1682 drawing from Greek. Philo means "loving" and adelphos, "brother." The result: "the city of brotherly love," as Penn intended (whose statue overlooks from the top of City Hall) for everyone to feel welcome. And this remains its motto. Hence, there is a Love Park, featuring one of Robert Indiana's iconic sculptures with the word Love.
But beware, Philly is also one of the places that least represents (in a good way) the national daily life, as it is manageable (with 1.5 million inhabitants), easy to navigate (designed in a grid pattern), boasts one of the largest urban park systems in the world (4,046 green hectares), and one can walk (or bike) everywhere, which is not so common in these parts. "It is very convenient; it is pedestrian-friendly. You can walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the Delaware River waterfront, one of the two rivers that cross the city [the other being the Schuylkill] in an hour," says Irene Levy, a tourism expert and author of books like 100 Things to Do in Philadelphia.
Such as exploring the old town, with its Georgian-style brick facades and cobblestone streets, where everything originated. Unraveling the past is straightforward, as there are 68 marked sites that are part of the "most historic mile in the USA." From the Independence Hall, where the founding fathers (from Franklin to Thomas Jefferson or George Washington) signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution (which has its own museum) to the Liberty Bell, which rang to announce the citizens' emancipation.
Not to forget the Museum of the American Revolution, with interactive exhibitions (the typical sign saying Do not touch here says the opposite: Touch, please), theatrical reenactments, and the original tent in which Washington set up his headquarters during the war with the British.
The official residence where he lived after becoming the first president can also be visited, as well as the house of Edgar Allan Poe (where he wrote some of his most terrifying tales) or that of Betsy Ross, the seamstress who sewed the first national flag. Nearby is the oldest street in the USA, Elfreth's Alley (1702), with its brightly colored doors and windows. Residents make it clear with signs that they live there and it is not a movie set, so do not disturb.
And Philly knows a lot about cinema. Films like The Sixth Sense, 12 Monkeys, or the iconic Philadelphia and further back in time, Philadelphia Story, starring Cary Grant, James Stewart, and Katherine Hepburn were filmed here. But if there is a character that has broken molds, it is Rocky Balboa, the boxer portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in the popular saga, who will always be remembered for running up the 72 steps leading to the Art Museum to the beat of the iconic melody of Gonna Fly Now.
The next part of the tour is on foot and through the lens of graffiti, as the metropolis boasts over 4,500 of them, making it the largest outdoor gallery in the world. This is thanks to the Mural Arts Philadelphia association, founded in 1984 to integrate this type of street art into society, which was once seen as vandalism. "Several programs are in place to connect artists with the population and transform public spaces: youth education, restorative justice with prisoners, and social welfare," explains Carol Weidler, a guide on a graffiti tour exploring some of the most significant pieces.
Moving on to art. The city offers an overwhelming array of options: galleries, theaters, cultural centers (like the Magic Gardens, an intriguing mosaic labyrinth), a ballet, an opera, an internationally renowned orchestra, music institutes, and museums such as the aforementioned Philadelphia Museum of Art (known for "Rocky's steps," for movie buffs), housing a repertoire of 200,000 objects and 2,000 years of history, or the African American Museum, dedicated to the life and work of this community.
Special mention goes to the Rodin Museum, which houses the largest collection of the sculptor's works outside of Paris (120 pieces), or the Barnes Foundation, with one of the most important collections of post-impressionism and early modernism on the planet. Its interior showcases works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Van Gogh, but what sets it apart is its arrangement, not following the traditional order by author, nationality, or period, but playing with symmetry (or the lack thereof), light, color, shape, or size to juxtapose them on the walls.
"Paulette Rackow, curator of the foundation, analyzes, 'He combines ancestral masks with a Modigliani or a Monet landscape; it's a game that involves the viewer.'
She adds, 'And in between, padlocks, keys, hinges, or horseshoes, details that encourage further investigation.' It was the determination of Dr. Albert C. Barnes, who became rich by creating the antiseptic Argyrol.
He invested everything in his vision of art. We can't leave Philly without trying its gastronomy, starting with its three typical products: the donut (they say it was invented by a Dutchman by poking a hole in the dough to fry it better), the pretzel (with mustard), and the cheesesteak (a powerful sandwich of beef and melted cheese).
One of the best places to taste it is McGillin's Olde Ale House, the city's oldest tavern (1860), with its long tables, beer bar, flags, and walls full of photos, posters, and awards. Another historical culinary temple is the Reading Terminal Market (1893), next to Chinatown, with a thousand delicatessen stalls. And as a grand finale, the Italian Market, full of shops and restaurants founded by immigrants from the Alpine country, joined by Latin flavors.
Look for panettone and cannoli (mascarpone rolls) from Isgro Pastries; cheese, prosciutto (ham), and salami from Di Bruno Bros; premium meats from Esposito's, and tasty tacos from Casa México."
"It combines ancestral masks with a Modigliani or a Monet landscape; it's a game that engages the viewer," analyzes Paulette Rackow, a curator at the foundation. "And in between, there are padlocks, keys, hinges, or horseshoes, details that encourage