The Palestra, Philadelphia
The Palestra, often referred to as the "Cathedral of College Basketball," is a historic sports arena situated on South 33rd Street in Philadelphia, on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. This iconic venue serves as the home court for the Penn Quakers men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the volleyball and wrestling teams. Additionally, it plays a central role in Philadelphia Big 5 basketball.
Opening its doors on January 1, 1927, the Palestra holds a special place in the history of college basketball. It has been described as "the most significant building in the history of college basketball" and is credited with profoundly influencing the development of the sport it was designed for.
Originally designed to accommodate around 10,000 spectators, the arena's seating capacity for basketball games has since been adjusted to 8,725. What sets the Palestra apart is its unique seating arrangement, with bleachers that extend right down to the playing surface, providing an intimate and unobstructed view of the games, with no barriers separating the fans from the action.
Notably, during its construction, the Palestra was one of the largest arenas globally and represented a pioneering use of steel and concrete in American arena construction. It was among the first venues in the United States to be built without interior pillars, ensuring an unobstructed view for all attendees.
Throughout its existence, the Palestra has hosted more games, welcomed more visiting teams, and hosted more NCAA tournaments than any other college basketball facility, solidifying its status as an integral part of the sport's history.
Opening its doors on January 1, 1927, the Palestra holds a special place in the history of college basketball. It has been described as "the most significant building in the history of college basketball" and is credited with profoundly influencing the development of the sport it was designed for.
Originally designed to accommodate around 10,000 spectators, the arena's seating capacity for basketball games has since been adjusted to 8,725. What sets the Palestra apart is its unique seating arrangement, with bleachers that extend right down to the playing surface, providing an intimate and unobstructed view of the games, with no barriers separating the fans from the action.
Notably, during its construction, the Palestra was one of the largest arenas globally and represented a pioneering use of steel and concrete in American arena construction. It was among the first venues in the United States to be built without interior pillars, ensuring an unobstructed view for all attendees.
Throughout its existence, the Palestra has hosted more games, welcomed more visiting teams, and hosted more NCAA tournaments than any other college basketball facility, solidifying its status as an integral part of the sport's history.
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The Palestra on Map
Sight Name: The Palestra
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Create Your Own Walk in Philadelphia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Philadelphia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Franklin Parkway Walking Tour
Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a scenic boulevard running through the cultural heart of Philadelphia. Named for America's Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, this mile-long tree-lined parkway is lined with several notable sights and world-class museums.
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Rocky Movie Sites Walking Tour
There's hardly any other character, fictional or real, as iconically Philadelphian as Rocky. Indeed, this American sports drama franchise, centered on the boxing career of Rocky Balboa, released in 1976, has become synonymous with and arguably done more for the city of Philadelphia than anyone else since Ben Franklin.
The cultural phenomenon was created by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
The cultural phenomenon was created by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
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Benjamin Franklin's journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in Revolutionary America began when he, as a teenager, ventured from a Puritan family in Boston to Philadelphia. This city would not only become his home but also a stage for his remarkable life as a writer, printer, philosopher, postmaster, scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. His life epitomizes the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
University of Pennsylvania Walking Tour
As America's first university, The University of Pennsylvania (aka Penn or Upenn, for short) has a history stretching back to the mid-18th century, closely bound with the city's colonial past and the birth of the United States. Initially, this Ivy League institution emerged as the College of Philadelphia, one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the US Declaration of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Philadelphia Old City Walking Tour
King Charles II of England, while seriously indebted to Admiral Sir William Penn, settled his debt in 1681 by granting lands in America to William Penn, the Admiral's Quaker son. A thorn in the King's side, young Penn sailed to America, where he envisioned a utopian society based on tolerance and founded Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love."
The Old City Center, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Philadelphia Introduction Walking Tour
The sixth largest city in the United States and the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a dynamic city heaped with old-world charm and contemporary infrastructure. Notable for its rich history, primarily as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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Looking for a great gift while visiting Philadelphia?聽Famous for its history, arts and culture, championship sports teams, and award-winning food and drink, Philadelphia is a top-rated shopping destination. Here, you'll find聽an聽amazing selection of items to choose from - something uniquely...