Christ Church image

Christ Church

Tourist attraction Episcopal church

Historic 1695 church with tours & burial grounds with graves of Ben Franklin & other early leaders. People often mention church, history, visit, tour, time, Beautiful, people, Franklin,


Address

20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Website

www.christchurchphila.org

Contact

(215) 922-1695

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (420 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (25) history (17) visit (10) tour (9) time (8) Beautiful (7) people (6) Franklin (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Rick S. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church in Old City that many famous graves are located. Actually found a few graves with people buried that had my last name! Funny, if you look on the bottom left hand side of Ben Franklins pew you’ll notice that carved into the wood it reads “GW was here”……..just kidding but that would’ve been pretty funny! Here are some pics taken with an iPhone 13 Pro and a DJI Mini 2 drone
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 True R. 2 years ago on Google
    Christ Church is a beautiful, historical location in the Old City section of Philadelphia. It’s a must see for tourists and native Philadelphians. The staff is knowledgeable of the history and will answer any questions you might have. The outside of the church and its grounds are spectacular. You can also attend services, if you are interested. Many of our founding fathers were here. What an experience.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc A. 10 months ago on Google • 195 reviews
    This Episcopal church exudes history and maintains exemplary values including dignity and respect for all people. Founded in 1695, the main structure was erected between 1727 and 1744. The tower steeple was the tallest structure in the 13 colonies and continued to maintain that status when the nation was formed.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DIAMOND BLACKOUT S. 2 years ago on Google • 146 reviews
    It's worth the 5 bucks! You get to see and witness history, catch a glimpse of Pres. Washington's pew and other dignitaries who were there including a few signers of the Declaration of Independence. Check it out!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arlene M. 1 year ago on Google • 368 reviews
    Definitely worth a visit whether you are paying to visit their famous cemetery or taking a tour of the church. Both have minimal fees attached to it. Be aware of the fact that the cemetery is not always open in inclement weather due to walking hazards. It is best to contact the church before you pay admission to enter. If visiting the church you'll find famous notables who worshipped and are buried here. This was Franklin's church. However, you will find other important people such as John Forbes who helped established Fort Pitt is buried here. The gift shop has a nice array of books including the famous Ben and me. Yes Amos the mouse got his start in this church. The church has a small graveyard of its own. It is an actual working Episcopal church and open for Sunday services.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susan D. 10 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    Beautiful historic church, dates to 1744. We enjoyed our time here, especially seeing the pew locations of Betsy Ross, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Wish we had time for the docent tour. We bought a map for $1 and it was full of helpful information. We also visited the Christ Church Burial Grounds- a few blocks away, and the burial location of Benjamin Franklin and his wife and young daughter. Both are worth a visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kailey P. 1 year ago on Google • 296 reviews
    We chose to pay for a guided tour. Before paying I asked and was told the tour was approximately 20 minutes, and we ended up getting a tour that lasted 45 minutes because the docent was so knowledgeable and willing to answer my questions. I am really glad we took some time to stop here - you will get SO much more out of it if you join the tour - I think it was only about $8 per adult, but I ended up ripping because the guy was so great. They have a small selection of souvenirs - but they are unique and a good selection. I bought a locally illustrated desk of cards. Don't skip this church!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian B. 3 years ago on Google
    Christians of any flavor should enjoy the worship here. Those who appreciate American history will have an added blessing to kneel where George Washington and John Adams knelt. Look for the large pew-box near the front, left of the center aisle.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jamie K. 3 years ago on Google
    Beauty church and must go visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J C. 1 year ago on Google • 216 reviews
    Beautiful historic church that still has a congregation today. Had a great "tour" with many interesting stories about the colonial era.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan B. 6 months ago on Google • 352 reviews
    Church person or not, this is a neat spot to swing through if you're touring historic buildings in the area. Being able to experience a convergence of some of the most influential early Americans. Seeing where Franklin, Washington, etc. had purchased family seats, as well as seeing the architecture of the space is worth the quick stop. The docents are eager to explain the history and engage you in conversation, so you will certainly learn something if you stop.

  • 5/5 Crystal G. 1 year ago on Google • 40 reviews
    We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here! We purchased a map along with our admission and found the pews of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, among others. Peaceful respit to a busy day of sightseeing. Make sure to walk around the gardens out back. Absolutely beautiful piece of history!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Nabeel S. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely no reason why they should be closed for tourism at this time. Website says opening spring 2021 and it is still not open. Worldwide most historic structures have started self guided tours with masks. Once again, no excuses.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mauricio P. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church, I could only visit the exterior, the church was closed at the time of my visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M L. 2 years ago on Google
    Really neat expirience. George Washington's pew, Ben Franklin's pew, and Betsy Ross's pew are marked. This is a neat place to stop if you love history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aunt N. 2 years ago on Google • 225 reviews
    Pay the $5 to go in and get a short tour of this historic place. The history of the church is amazing. The pulpit was amazing and the history of the church wanting to get away from the Church of England. The people wanted to get away from that church. I loved this church.

  • 5/5 Joseph D. 5 years ago on Google
    It was an amazing experience to be sitting in this churches pew boxes, to think of the people who assembled and worshiped here looking for their inner peace and guidance in their lives, as they evolved to become some of the cornerstones of the USA. Lots of history here, be sure to enjoy if you come to Philadelphia for a visit.

  • 5/5 kimberly h. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a very old church that was so amazing to see in person. Well worth going and paying for a guided tour.

  • 5/5 Michael S. 6 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Tour guide at front desk on 11/24/23 was very helpful and informative. She was passionate about the history of the church. Will have to re-visit to learn more.

  • 5/5 Jeff C. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church. There is so much history within the walls and grounds. Take time to speak with the historian that is often in the main sanctuary.

  • 3/5 I Love Food C. 1 year ago on Google
    Historic site/landmark in Philadelphia. Not a super huge church but definitely full of history. The staffs there are friendly to answer any questions.

  • 4/5 Katie I. 1 year ago on Google
    I've never been to a church with important people buried in the floor! Fascinating tradition that got lost in history. I wish it was a little better maintained and had more information.

  • 5/5 Noel A. 2 years ago on Google
    A must see when visiting Historical Philadelphia. Checkout the pews where Washington and Franklin worshipped along with other signers of the Declaration. Checkout the steeple which was at one point the tallest structure in the city. Ben Franklin wanted to demonstrate that lightning can be diverted through “a pointed metal object placed at a high point on a building — connected to a conductor that would carry the electricity away from the building and into the ground.” The steeple was under construction so legend has it he flew a kite instead.

  • 5/5 Cory B. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, if you have the chance you should visit

  • 5/5 Greg G. 2 years ago on Google
    A must in Philly. The staff takes time to give the history and answers questions. They are very knowledgeable. Beautiful structure adorned with priceless ornaments, architectural designs and one of a kind items.

  • 5/5 Jill G. 2 years ago on Google
    So we'll preserved that you can almost see the men in their tricorn hats sitting in the family pews. We were there for a Tuesday noon organ recital that made our visit extra-magical.

  • 4/5 Teri B. 2 years ago on Google
    I enjoyed the Sunday service and would go back. Except when I went to talk with the pastor she would not have any dialog with me. Not sure why, hopefully she's feeling better next time I go. They had a restroom available to use and we also found some daily devotionals which gave been a true blessing! Thank you all! God bless yall and thanks for carrying on history!

  • 5/5 Michael K. 2 years ago on Google
    A once in a lifetime stop. Don't miss this. Donation only experience and a full history that brings the founding fathers to life.

  • 5/5 Eleanor W. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a very amazingly simple yet beautiful Episcopal Church. It is a lovely outside garden for small receptions


Call (215) 922-1695 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Independence National Historical Park image
1
Independence National Historical Park
Historical place
This landmark-filled park covers 20 city blocks with museums, Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell.
4.60 (24.5K reviews)
Liberty Bell image
2
Liberty Bell
Historical landmark
Last rung in 1846, this 2,080-pound icon of freedom features a biblical inscription & a famed crack.
4.60 (21.5K reviews)
Philadelphia Zoo image
3
Philadelphia Zoo
Zoo
Large zoo with nearly 1,700 animals, including rare & endangered species, plus an education center.
4.50 (20.4K reviews)
Philadelphia Museum of Art image
4
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Art museum
Majestic space with famed entry staircase featuring Renaissance classics & special exhibits.
4.80 (20.3K reviews)
JFK Plaza (Love Park) image
5
JFK Plaza (Love Park)
Park
Bustling urban plaza featuring a geyser-like fountain & Robert Indiana's well-known Love sculpture.
4.50 (14.6K reviews)
Last updated:
()