Along with Boston, Philadelphia was also one of the symbols of the fight against slavery: the first anti-slavery treaty was signed there in 1739. The largest city in Pennsylvania (although not the capital), Philadelphia is one of the most important historical and cultural centres.
On the banks of the Delaware River, it is also a major port and, for several decades, a major industrial centre in the United States, particularly for textiles.
How do I get to Philadelphia from New York?
You can take the Amtrak train, which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. Several bus companies also make this journey for a lower fare and a journey time of around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Independence National Historical Park and Independence Hall
For a good visit, it is best to arrive early in the morning at the park's Visitor Centre. Admission is limited as it is free. In Independence Hall, a Georgian-style building built in 1756, you will be guided by a ranger who will take you back in time to the mythical events of the Declaration of American Independence on 4 July 1776 and the signing of the US Constitution. You can admire these historic documents during the tour.
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The Liberty Bell, Philadelphia's icon
A key symbol of freedom and justice in the country, legend has it that this bronze bell was rung on the day the Declaration of Independence was signed. In reality, it rang for the first time on the day the Declaration was read, i.e. 8 July. But no matter, the symbolism is great.
There is a long queue to admire this bell, which was cracked the first time it was used. The names of the two local craftsmen who tried (unsuccessfully) to repair it are engraved in the bronze: John Pass & John Stow. The phrase from Leviticus inscribed on the bell sounds like a program for a just and egalitarian society: "Proclaim FREEDOM throughout the land for all its inhabitants".
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Philadelphia Museum of Art (and the Rocky Balboa steps)
This building overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway looks like a Greek temple with its impressive columns. Opened in 1877, it houses rich collections of Asian art and key representatives of modern art such as Picasso, Duchamp and Brancusi. There is also a tea house and a medieval cloister.
If you're a film buff, the steps at the entrance to the museum are immortalised in the cult scene from the first film in the Rocky saga, where Sylvester Stallone is training. Near the 'Rocky Steps', you can see a statue of the boxer and, for boxing fans, head to Tusculum Street where you'll find the flat used for the exterior shots of Rocky's home.
Barnes Foundation
Until 2012, this foundation was based in the historic site of Lower Merion, on the outskirts of the city. In its new premises on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which brings together the city's main museums (including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and City Hall), you can admire one of the world's largest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern art.
It is the work of collector Albert C. Barnes, who devoted his life in the first half of the 20th century to bringing together iconic works by Renoir, Matisse, Degas, Cézanne, Picasso, Modigliani and Van Gogh. He also had the idea of collecting works of African art, a highly original and daring passion at the time. The scenography, faithful to the spirit of Barnes' wishes, with its very personal way of arranging the works, is in itself a work of art.
Benjamin Franklin's house
This visit will help you understand the extent to which Philadelphia is the American centre of the revolutionary Enlightenment. Born in Boston in 1706, Benjamin Franklin moved to Philadelphia in 1723 and died there in 1790. A tour of his house will show you that this man was both a scientist (he invented the lightning rod) and a politician: most of his inventions were geared towards helping the community and the general interest (the concept of the fire brigade, the invention of the wood-burning stove, which considerably improved the quality of life of local residents).
He was also ambassador to France from 1776 to 1785. We owe him in particular the expression "Ça ira, ça ira", the answer he gave when asked in Paris about the American Revolution, which gave its refrain to the famous song of the French Revolution.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Opened in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary was the first penitentiary in the world. This maze of cells and corridors, built in a star pattern and topped by sinister guard towers, was designed to isolate every guilty person. It housed such notorious criminals as Al Capone and 'Slick Willie' Sutton. It closed its doors in 1971 because it was considered too expensive and dehumanising to run.
The penitentiary is said to be haunted by the ghosts of inmates gone mad. From early autumn to Halloween, you can sign up for an eerie themed tour with the tempting name 'Terror Behind the Walls'. Even in broad daylight, you'll feel the dread at the mere sight of the penitentiary's facade, topped by two menacing gargoyles.
Discover Philadelphia's street art
As well as its historic aura, the city is also famous for its murals. There are almost 4,000 of them! Why is there such a craze for urban mural art? We have to go back to 1984 and its Mural Art programmes aimed at helping young people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. In Center City, Fishtown or Washington Square, admire the urban landscapes or the immense scenes of redemption and peace that are among the favourite themes of street painters.
For lovers of street art and contemporary art, make a diversion to Love Park to have your photo taken in front of the red letters L.O.V.E designed by artist Robert Indiana.
The USS New Jersey
The USS New Jersey is the most decorated ship in the country and a must-see for any American history buff. Rehabilitated as a museum ship in 2001, the USS New Jersey is moored on the Delaware River just opposite Philadelphia. Delivered one year to the day after Pearl Harbor, the battleship set sail on 7 December 1942.
She took part in all the major conflicts of the second half of the 20th century: the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the American interventions of the 1990s. On site, you can learn about the living conditions of the sailors, dine in the ship's restaurant and hire a berth for the night.
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