Boston Architectural Highlights Tour

1. Arlington Street Church – Gothic Revival Elegance

Begin your journey at Arlington Street Church, an exquisite Gothic Revival landmark built in 1861. Discover its stunning Tiffany stained-glass windows, one of the most extensive collections in the world, and learn how Back Bay’s transformation from marshland to one of Boston’s most prestigious neighborhoods shaped its architectural identity.

2. Commonwealth Avenue Mall – Boston’s Grand Boulevard

Stroll down Commonwealth Avenue Mall, a tree-lined boulevard inspired by Parisian design. Flanked by Victorian brownstones and Beaux-Arts mansions, this elegant stretch highlights Boston’s commitment to architectural harmony. Notable stops include The Algonquin Club, a 19th-century social club, and historic row houses adorned with ornate iron railings and granite stoops.

3. Copley Square – A Showcase of Architectural Diversity

Copley Square is a hub of architectural contrasts, featuring some of Boston’s most celebrated buildings:

• Trinity Church (1877) – A masterpiece of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, designed by H.H. Richardson and famous for its intricate stonework and John La Farge murals.

• Boston Public Library (1895) – A Renaissance Revival landmark designed by Charles Follen McKim, boasting an Italian-inspired courtyard and breathtaking John Singer Sargent murals.

• Old South Church (1873) – A striking High Victorian Gothic church with polychromatic stonework and Venetian influences, standing in bold contrast to its Renaissance Revival neighbor.

4. The South End – Victorian Elegance & Urban Transformation

As we enter Boston’s South End, you’ll explore the largest collection of Victorian-era row houses in the U.S., with stops at:

• Rutland Square – A picturesque residential area with historic charm.

• Bow-front townhouses & cast-iron details – Iconic features of South End architecture.

• Southwest Corridor Path – A scenic greenway connecting the neighborhood with Jamaica Plain.

• Concord Square & Sparrow Park – Beautiful examples of South End’s historic preservation and community spaces.

5. Harriet Tubman Square – A Blend of History & Public Art

This vibrant public space celebrates Boston’s abolitionist history with the Harriet Tubman Memorial. Surrounded by a mix of Victorian brownstones and modern urban additions, this stop reflects the South End’s ongoing transformation and cultural significance.

6. Christian Science Center – Mid-Century Modernism & Grand Design

Our tour concludes at the Christian Science Center, a stunning example of Brutalist architecture designed by I.M. Pei and Araldo Cossutta in the 1960s. Its vast reflecting pool creates mesmerizing views, while the Mother Church (1894) stands as a striking blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, illustrating Boston’s ever-evolving architectural landscape.