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Get InspiredNorth AmericaUnited StatesPennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaGloria Dei Church National Historic Site

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

US
Historic Site·Peaceful, Historic, Reflective, Serene
The church building at Gloria Dei 'Old Swedes' has been in use since 1700, making it the oldest church building in Pennsylvania and the second oldest in the United States. The steeple was completed in 1703.
Photo by from Nps
Gloria Dei Church was designated as a National Historical Site in 1942. The Gloria Dei congregation owns and maintains the church and the related buildings, its ministry and the grounds.
Photo by from Nps
Situated above the pulpit is the only stained glass window in the church building. Created in the mid 1800s, the window is the earliest example of American stained glass among the 3600 windows in the Philadelphia region.
Photo by from Nps
Hanging from the ceiling of Gloria Dei are models of the two ships that brought the first Swedish colonists to North America in 1638, the "Kalmar Nyckel" and the "Fogel Gryp."
Photo by from Nps
This 1850s photograph shows a bird's-eye view of the Gloria Dei Church, with the cemetery in the foreground and the masts of ships visible in the background.
Photo by from Nps
The church building at Gloria Dei 'Old Swedes' has been in use since 1700, making it the oldest church building in Pennsylvania and the second oldest in the United States. The steeple was completed in 1703.
Photo by from Nps
Gloria Dei Church was designated as a National Historical Site in 1942. The Gloria Dei congregation owns and maintains the church and the related buildings, its ministry and the grounds.
Photo by from Nps
Situated above the pulpit is the only stained glass window in the church building. Created in the mid 1800s, the window is the earliest example of American stained glass among the 3600 windows in the Philadelphia region.
Photo by from Nps
Hanging from the ceiling of Gloria Dei are models of the two ships that brought the first Swedish colonists to North America in 1638, the "Kalmar Nyckel" and the "Fogel Gryp."
Photo by from Nps
This 1850s photograph shows a bird's-eye view of the Gloria Dei Church, with the cemetery in the foreground and the masts of ships visible in the background.
Photo by from Nps

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site, affectionately known as 'Old Swedes', is a profound historical landmark in Philadelphia. As the oldest church in Pennsylvania, it stands as the last major link to the New Sweden colony that existed before the founding of the state. The site is characterized by its beautifully preserved architecture and serene, pastoral surroundings. Visitors are invited to wander through the historic burial ground, which contains the graves of Revolutionary War patriots and early citizens alike. Managed by the National Park Service, this site offers a quiet and reflective atmosphere, making it an essential stop for those looking to uncover the layers of early American history.

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site, affectionately known as 'Old Swedes', is a profound historical landmark in Philadelphia. As the oldest church in Pennsylvania, it stands as the last major link to the New Sweden colony that existed before the founding of the state. The site is characterized by its beautifully preserved architecture and serene, pastoral surroundings. Visitors are invited to wander through the historic burial ground, which contains the graves of Revolutionary War patriots and early citizens alike. Managed by the National Park Service, this site offers a quiet and reflective atmosphere, making it an essential stop for those looking to uncover the layers of early American history.

Address
916 S. Swanson Street
Websitenps.gov
Phone215-389-1513

Highlights

  • Oldest church building in Pennsylvania

  • Historic burial ground with Revolutionary War graves

  • Well-preserved 17th-century colonial architecture

  • Managed by the National Park Service

Best For

History buffs and those seeking a quiet, reflective walk through early American colonial heritage.

Time of Day

Lunch

Occasion Tags

History Enthusiasts, Sightseeing, Quiet Walks

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Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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