As the neighborhoods of northwest Philadelphia have evolved from 18th-century villages to Victorian suburbs to modern urban communities, the historic homes and buildings that line their streets have stood with enduring beauty and dignity. Through dramatic historic events - including revolution, epidemics, and flight from slavery - as well as periods of prosperity and development, their stone walls have provided comfort to many.

Today, this historic buildings and other architectural gems of Germantown, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill offer the visitor an encounter that is both memorable and moving. If you're interested in significant architecture, enjoy American history and stories of past ways of life, or just appreciate the sheer exhilaration of uncommonly beautiful homes, gardens and furnishings, you'll want to explore Philadelphia's Historic Northwest.