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Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church National Historic Site

Built between 1698 and 1700, Gloria De Episcopal Church is the oldest church in Pennsylvania and one of the country's oldest. John Smart and John Buett constructed this building of Flemish bond and black header brick. The building, originally the Swedish Lutheran Church for about 150 years, became a national park service site in 1946. The first Lutheran ordination ceremony in America happened within its walls. The church's cemetery contains many graves dating back to the late 1600s, including Sven Gunnarsson, who founded the New Sweden colony. This South Philadelphia church contains many Christian artifacts dating from the late 1600s and early 1700s, and you can tour the cemetery and the church. 

Where to Stay

RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church National Historic Site

Philadelphia has many different places to explore. Staying in a Philadelphia campground will make the trip even more fun, so bring your RV as it will allow you to move about the city to take in the sights. If you do not have one, rent one on RVshare.com. You will find many great options, and you can relax because 24/7 roadside assistance covers you no matter what. 

RV Rentals Near Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church National Historic Site

Things to Do

Things To Do Near Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church National Historic Site

When you visit Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church National Historic Site, the first thing you may notice is the flags flying outside the church. These four flags represent America, Sweden, and Christianity, and the fourth flag is a special flag that Benjamin Franklin designed before the start of the American Revolution. Once inside, notice the baptismal font as it is one of the oldest in continual use in America. The Hook and Hastings organ dates to 1903. 

Hiking Trails

Sightseeing

Museums

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

map-marker-alt-regular How to Get There

How To Get To Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church National Historic Site

If you are at Independence National Historical Park, getting to Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site is easy as they are only 2 miles apart. Head north on North 5th Street. Turn right on Race Street and take another on North Christopher Columbus Boulevard. Finally, turn right on Christian Street, and the church will be on your left. 

Address

916 S Swanson Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147

Fee: Entry fee $0

Touring the Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site can be a great addition to your Philadelphia RV road trip. It is the church where Betsy Ross was married. The cemetery surrounding the church contains some of the oldest graves in the city. You will not want to miss seeing many of the artifacts at this church, including the models of the Fogel Grip and the Kalmar Nyckel hanging from the church's ceiling. These two ships brought many of the first settlers to New Sweden in about 1640. There are many fascinating things to do in Southwark and the surrounding neighborhoods, so bring your RV. If you do not have an RV, find perfect options to rent on RVshare.com.