Editing Queen Village

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Queen Village
| type = Neighborhood
| location = South Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19147
| established = 1640s (Swedish settlement)
| named_for = Queen Christina of Sweden
| boundaries = North: South Street, South: Washington Avenue, East: Front Street, West: 6th Street
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Society Hill]], [[Bella Vista]], [[Pennsport]]
| major_streets = South Street, 2nd Street, 4th Street, Catharine Street
| transit = SEPTA Bus Routes 40, 57, 64
| notable_landmarks = Gloria Dei Church, Shot Tower, Mario Lanza Park
}}

'''Queen Village''' is one of Philadelphia's oldest neighborhoods, located at the northern edge of [[South Philadelphia]] just south of [[Society Hill]]. Named for Queen Christina of Sweden, the area was the site of the first European settlement in what would become Philadelphia, predating William Penn's arrival by decades. The neighborhood is known for its historic rowhouses, charming streets, and proximity to both South Street and the Delaware River waterfront.<ref name="qvna">{{cite web |url=https://www.qvna.org |title=Queen Village Neighbors Association |publisher=Queen Village Neighbors Association |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Swedish Settlement ===

Queen Village occupies the site of '''New Sweden''', established by Swedish colonists in the '''1640s''', making it the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Pennsylvania. The Swedes built the first permanent structures in the Philadelphia area.

The neighborhood is named for '''Queen Christina of Sweden''' (1626-1689), who ruled Sweden during the colony's founding.

=== Gloria Dei Church ===

'''Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church''', founded in 1677 and the current building completed in 1700, is the oldest church in Pennsylvania and a reminder of the Swedish colonial presence. The church is now a National Historic Landmark.

=== Colonial and Federal Era ===

After William Penn's arrival in 1682, the area developed as Southwark, eventually becoming part of Philadelphia. The neighborhood contained shipyards, manufactories, and working-class housing.

=== 20th Century ===

Queen Village experienced typical urban decline in the mid-20th century but revitalized earlier than many Philadelphia neighborhoods. Its historic housing stock, proximity to Center City, and active community organization drove renewal beginning in the 1970s.

== Landmarks ==

=== Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church ===

* Founded 1677, current building 1700
* Oldest church in Pennsylvania
* National Historic Landmark
* Active Episcopal parish
* Cemetery with colonial-era gravestones

=== Shot Tower ===

The '''Sparks Shot Tower''' (1808) is a 142-foot brick tower where lead shot was manufactured:
* One of few surviving shot towers in America
* Dropped molten lead from the top to form spherical shot
* Now surrounded by a park
* Visible neighborhood landmark

=== Mario Lanza Park ===

Named for Mario Lanza (1921-1959), the legendary tenor born in the neighborhood. The park features:
* Bust of Mario Lanza
* Green space
* Community gathering place

== South Street ==

The northern boundary of Queen Village is '''South Street''', Philadelphia's famous commercial corridor:

* Eclectic shops and restaurants
* Nightlife venues
* Tattoo parlors and vintage stores
* Street performers

South Street provides commercial amenities within walking distance of Queen Village's residential streets.

== Living in Queen Village ==

=== Housing ===

* Federal-era rowhouses
* Victorian-era townhouses
* Some newer construction
* Mix of rentals and owner-occupied
* Prices higher than average South Philadelphia

=== Demographics ===

* Young professionals
* Families
* Artists and creative professionals
* Long-term residents
* Mix of incomes

=== Character ===

Queen Village offers:
* Historic charm
* Walkability
* South Street access without the noise
* Quieter than adjacent neighborhoods
* Strong community identity
* Delaware River waterfront access

== Getting There ==

=== Public Transit ===

* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' 40, 57, 64
* Walking distance from Market-Frankford Line (2nd Street Station)

=== Biking ===

* Delaware River Trail access
* Bike-friendly streets

=== Driving ===

* I-95 (Columbus Boulevard exit)
* Street parking available

== Dining and Shopping ==

Queen Village has neighborhood-scale commercial activity:

* '''Famous 4th Street Delicatessen''' - Jewish deli tradition
* Local cafes along 2nd Street
* South Street restaurants (adjacent)
* Small shops and boutiques

{{FAQ
| q1 = Why is it called Queen Village?
| a1 = Queen Village is named for Queen Christina of Sweden (1626-1689), who ruled Sweden when Swedish colonists established settlements in the area in the 1640s. It was the first European settlement in what became Pennsylvania, predating William Penn.
| q2 = What is Gloria Dei Church?
| a2 = Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church is the oldest church in Pennsylvania, founded in 1677 with the current building completed in 1700. It's a National Historic Landmark and active Episcopal parish with colonial-era gravestones in its cemetery.
| q3 = What is the Shot Tower?
| a3 = The Sparks Shot Tower (1808) is a 142-foot brick tower where lead shot was manufactured by dropping molten lead from the top. One of few surviving shot towers in America, it's now surrounded by a park.
| q4 = Where is Queen Village?
| a4 = Queen Village is in South Philadelphia, bounded by South Street (north), Washington Avenue (south), Front Street (east), and 6th Street (west). It borders Society Hill to the north and Bella Vista to the west.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Society Hill]]
* [[Bella Vista]]
* [[Pennsport]]
* [[South Philadelphia]]
* [[Gloria Dei Church]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Queen Village Philadelphia - Historic Neighborhood Guide
|description=Guide to Queen Village, Philadelphia's oldest neighborhood. Swedish colonial history, Gloria Dei Church, Shot Tower, and living near South Street in this charming South Philadelphia area.
|keywords=Queen Village Philadelphia, Gloria Dei Church, Old Swedes Church, Shot Tower Philadelphia, South Street Philadelphia, Swedish Philadelphia, Queen Christina
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Historic Districts]]