Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

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A color photo of the Gloria Dei Church steeple during a sunset in Philadelphia.
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.
A color photo of the Gloria Dei Church yard showing tombstones with the church in the background.
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.
A color photo of the interior of Gloria Dei Church showing the pulpit and a stained glass window.
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.
A color photo of a model tall ship hanging inside Gloria Die Church.
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."
A 19th century photograph of the Gloria Dei Church, with the cemetery in the foreground.
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.
Photos: National Park Service

About Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

Before Pennsylvania there was New Sweden. Discover this last historic link to a forgotten past. Visit the church's pastoral surroundings and its burial ground of patriots and ordinary citizens alike.

Quick Facts

State Pennsylvania
Designation National Historic Site
State Code PA
Weather Summers are typically hot and muggy, fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is cold. Snowfall is highly variable, with some winters bringing only light snow and others bringing…

Location & Map

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site is located in Pennsylvania.

Operating Hours

NOTE: The church grounds are closed from 11PM to 5AM.

Wednesday 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Monday 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Thursday 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Sunday 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Tuesday 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Friday 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Saturday 5:00AM - 11:00PM

Activities

Museum Exhibits

Getting There

The Gloria Dei Church is accessed from Christian Street in South Philadelphia. As in any city, use your street smarts and do not leave any valuables visible in your car. Several SEPTA bus routes serve the vicinity of the site. Visit the website for more information.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 916 S. Swanson Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19147
Phone 215-389-1513
Email indevisitorinfo@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

American Revolution Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Religion and Spirituality Churches Transportation

Things To Do

Find the Gravesites of Revolutionary War Soldiers

Find the Gravesites of Revolutionary War Soldiers

Locate the gravestones of Revolutionary War soldiers at Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site. Explore the churchyard virtually from home,…

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