ELFRETH'S ALLEY

Known to be the first residential street built in the United States, this alleyway to the beautiful red brick houses was built in 1702 by two blacksmiths John Gilbert and Arthur Wells. On the facades, you can see small black metal plates. They proved that the owner had contributed well to a fireplace company to save his house in the event of a fire; another form of home insurance! In 124 and 126, a small museum with a charming paved courtyard quickly explains the construction and offers guided tours. The other houses cannot be visited because they are still inhabited today. Nevertheless, every year in June, "Fête Day" is celebrated: residents open their homes to the public and festivities are organized, including historical reconstructions with costume characters.