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: NPS Photo
About
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.
Location
916 S. Swanson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Hours
wednesday5:00AM - 11:00PM
monday5:00AM - 11:00PM
thursday5:00AM - 11:00PM
sunday5:00AM - 11:00PM
tuesday5:00AM - 11:00PM
friday5:00AM - 11:00PM
saturday5:00AM - 11:00PM
Activities
Museum Exhibits
Directions
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.
Get directions →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 several major snowstorms, with the normal seasonal snowfall standing at 22.4 in (57 cm). Precipitation is generally spread throughout the year, with eight to twelve wet days per month.