Queen Village

Queen Village

Type	Neighborhood
Location	South Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	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	Society Hill, Bella Vista, Pennsport
Major streets	South Street, 2nd Street, 4th Street, Catharine Street
Transit	SEPTA Bus Routes 40, 57, 64
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.

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

See Also

• Society Hill
• Bella Vista
• Pennsport
• South Philadelphia
• Gloria Dei Church