While it might be a smidge arrogant to agree with Oliver Wendell Holmes that Boston is the “Hub of the Solar System,” it’s definitely a city that inspires awe. As you walk through Boston, it’s impossible to forget all of the events that took place here over the centuries, and that history is reflected in the city’s gorgeous and diverse architecture. Check out these marvels or – if you already see them regularly – pause for a moment and really notice these 10 incredible places.
As the tallest building in Boston, the Hancock Tower dominates the skyline. However, the most awe-inspiring aspect of this skyscraper is the gorgeous reflections you can see in its panes of glass. Designed by Henry Cobb and completed in 1976, the structure was intended to augment the surrounding architecture, especially the Trinity Church.
Although H.H. Richardson was a fairly unknown architect when he began work on Trinity Church, the originality of his design means he will always be remembered. The style of this church is now known as Richardsonian Romanesque.
The building is just as impressive on the inside. The stained glass here inspired Louis Comfort Tiffany and the murals are stunning. In fact, the whole structure is an engineering marvel. A whopping 4,500 wooden pilings support the church and keep it above the water table!
BPL is both a visual and intellectual wonder. It was the first free municipal library on the planet and introduced the idea of borrowing and returning library materials. From the lovely staircase to the ornate Italian-style courtyard, this place is a bibliophile’s dream.
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4. The view from the top of the Prudential Center.
Whether you choose to gaze out at the city from the Skywalk Observatory or from Top of the Hub, the view never ceases to amaze. Admire Boston’s architecture from above, the expanses of water, and the surprising amount of greenery spread throughout our city.
This is one museum that is almost as breathtaking as the work housed inside. Gardner’s goal was to create a Venetian home, and she definitely succeeded. It really does look like a smaller version of the Doge’s Palace – only with fewer architectural embellishments.
Acorn Street is straight out of a postcard. This photogenic spot is the epitome of all things quaint and historic. With flowers cascading out of window boxes, cobblestones, and warm brick buildings, Acorn Street drips with charm.
This entire stately complex is impressive, but the Mapparium is the sparkling star of the First Church of Christian Science. This map of the world as it was in 1935 is illuminated by LED lights that can change into 16 million different colors!
Built in 1723, the Old North Church is Boston’s oldest house of worship and it hasn’t changed. Still in use by an active congregation, it continues to be lit by candlelight because there’s no electricity! If you ever hear the church’s bells, know that you are listening to the oldest bells still being rung in the nation. And let’s not forget that it was from the Old North Church that Paul Revere and Robert Newman hung two lanterns to signal that the British were coming!
Massachusetts has been governed from our "new" state house since 1798 but on July 4th each year, the Declaration of Independence is re-read from the balcony where it was first read to the public in 1776.
Since the Common was the first public park ever established in the U.S., it’s always worth visiting, and the adjacent Public Garden (also the first of its kind in the country) is a pretty, flower-filled place to watch the Swan Boats pass by.
Given the number of appealing and storied buildings here, this list could continue indefinitely. Which places make it onto your personal shortlist of Boston marvels? Let us know on the Only In Boston Facebook page.
