Pennsylvania's heritage is directly tied to the Arch Street Friends Meeting House, a plain meeting house for the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, one of whom was William Penn. This historic building offers visitors insights into the roots and practices of the group. Free. 4th & Arch Streets, (215) 627-2667, www.archstreetfriends.org.
Majestic and medieval, the Bryn Athyn Cathedral offers exquisite gardens, stunning stained glass, breathtaking architecture and beautifully planted grounds. Free. 900 Cathedral Road,
Bryn Athyn, (215) 947-6225, www.brynathyncathedral.org.
The Christ Church and Burial Ground, an Episcopal church once attended by Ben Franklin and other Founding Fathers, remains one of America's most beautiful and historic religious structures. The burial ground serves as Franklin's final resting place, as well as that of four other signers of the Declaration of Independence. Burial Ground admission is $2 adults, $1 students. Church, 2nd & Market Streets; Burial Ground, 5th & Arch Streets, (215) 922-1695, www.christchurchphila.org.
Just a 20-minute drive from downtown, the Saint Katharine Drexel Mission Center and Shrine is home to the crypt and shrine of a Philadelphia woman who devoted her life to poor African Americans and Native Americans, and was canonized a saint in 2000. Free. 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, (215) 244-9900, ext. 314, www.katharinedrexel.org.
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the earliest established AME church, is also the oldest parcel of land in the country recorded as being owned by African Americans. Mother Bethel also served as a stop along the Underground Railroad. Call in advance for tours. Donation suggested. 6th & Lombard Streets, (215) 925-0616, www.motherbethel.org.