Philadelphia's original settlers were Swedish Lutherans and this is the site of one of their first churches, built between 1698 and 1700. It's made of brick and was designed by English carpenters and masons. The simple, elegant interior of the chapel is notable for the models of the ships Fogel Grip and Kalmar Nyckel, which hang from the ceiling. These are the vessels that brought a group of Swedes to the area in 1643.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Mummers Museum

0.22 MILES

Learn to tell your Fancy Brigades from your String Bands at this fun museum devoted to the unique tradition of Philadelphia Mummery. Reflecting the many…

2. Headhouse Shambles

0.59 MILES

Originally called New Market to distinguish it from the old market on the High St (now Market St), this covered market hall dates back to the mid-18th…

3. Battleship New Jersey

0.65 MILES

Take a self-guided tour of the most decorated battleship in the US. Nicknamed the 'Black Dragon,' the battleship's guns were able to shoot 23 miles. On…

4. Spruce St Harbor Park

0.69 MILES

This summer-season park is a great place to hang out by the river during the warmer months. Relax in one of the two-person hammocks, take part in free…

5. Fleisher Art Memorial

0.7 MILES

A wide variety of classes and workshops are held at this art school, founded in 1898. Parts of the building are worth a look as it includes the Romanesque…

6. Autumn Revisited

0.7 MILES

It's forever a golden fall in this beautiful work by David Guinn on the side of the Fleisher Art Memorial. The trees in the mural blend in seamlessly with…

7. Physick House

0.71 MILES

Home to the 'Father of American Surgery,' Philip Syng Physick, this stately house has been well preserved. Physick is credited with inventing the stomach…

8. Mother Bethel AME Church

0.74 MILES

This major historical building is the birthplace of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church and is the oldest piece of real estate continually owned…