St. Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Parish
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1852 as the first Italian national parish in the U.S. by St. John N. Neumann, Bishop of Philadelphia. New churches were dedicated here, 1854 & 1891. The Delaware Valley's largest Italian community became centered in this neighborhood.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1852 by St. John Neumann, the Bohemian-born Bishop of Philadelphia, St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi was the first Italian national parish in the United States — a church built to serve worshippers in their own language and traditions. New church buildings rose here in 1854 and 1891 as the surrounding streets became the heart of the Delaware Valley's largest Italian community. The parish anchored a neighborhood of newcomers finding their footing in a new country.
Why it matters
It marks the beginning of the Italian-American Catholic parish, an institution that would help millions of immigrants preserve their identity while becoming American.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.6 mi away
- Hill-Physick House0.6 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Powel House0.7 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Bridgette Mayer0.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.8 mi away · PA
- Congress Hall0.8 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.2 mi away · Christian Street
- Second Bank of the United States0.8 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.9 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Becuna0.9 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell0.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.9 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.7 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.7 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.7 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.7 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.8 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.8 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Alexander Inn0.7 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.7 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.7 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.8 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.8 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.9 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · St. John Neumann
Themes & tags
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