Christ Church Burial Ground

Strolling through the historic streets of Camden, one cannot miss one of the most significant memorial sites in the USA. Christ Church Burial Ground is not just a final resting place, but a true open-air museum founded back in 1719. Across its two-acre grounds, more than 1,400 gravestones have been preserved, each telling its own chapter of the American nation's formation.

This site is world-famous as the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin. In addition to him, four other signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here. The atmosphere of tranquility and antiquity blends wonderfully with the city’s rhythm, making the cemetery a major draw for hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

The burial ground gained particular fame for a tradition associated with Franklin's grave: visitors leave copper pennies on his gravestone. This symbolic gesture references the polymath's famous proverb that "a penny saved is a penny earned." The historic brick wall and centuries-old trees create a unique ensemble that is carefully preserved by the state.

To confirm the current schedule and admission fees before your visit, it is recommended to contact the official representatives. This will help you better plan your route and avoid any potential scheduling conflicts with special events.

The primary ritual for every visitor is a stop at Benjamin Franklin's grave. You can join the long-standing tradition of tossing a coin onto his gravestone—it is believed to bring good luck. Even if the cemetery is closed, you can view the memorial through a special iron-grated opening in the brick wall from the street side.

History buffs will enjoy studying the ancient epitaphs on marble stelae and 19th-century slab tombs. Modern interpretive panels are installed throughout the grounds, helping visitors identify which Revolutionary heroes or distinguished scholars rest beneath each stone. A walk along the brick paths, restored for Franklin's 300th anniversary, allows you to feel the spirit of the colonial era.

In addition to self-guided exploration, themed tours are frequently offered. This is an excellent spot for thoughtful photography: the contrast between the weathered gravestones and the modern city buildings in the background is striking. Remember that this is an active burial ground, so silence and a respectful attitude toward the memory of those interred are encouraged.

Located in the heart of the historic district, this site is situated at the intersection of 5th and Arch Streets, directly across from the National Constitution Center. If you are already exploring Old City attractions, the walk to the burial ground from Christ Church on 2nd Street takes only about ten minutes.

For those who prefer public transportation, the SEPTA subway lines (Market East or 5th St stations) or PATCO trains are ideal, conveniently connecting various neighborhoods. City buses also stop in the immediate vicinity of the entrance, and for those who enjoy active travel, Indego bike-share stations are available nearby.

If you are arriving from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), it is most convenient to take the SEPTA Airport Line regional rail to the city center and then transfer to the subway or walk. A taxi or rideshare via Uber/Lyft will take about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The history of this site began in 1719, when the original burial ground at Christ Church itself became overcrowded. Parishioners purchased a plot on the outskirts of the city to create a new burial space, a decision driven not only by a lack of room but also by public health concerns for the townspeople.

In 1772, the old wooden fence was replaced by a massive brick wall that has survived to this day. Interestingly, in 1858, at the request of the public and Benjamin Franklin’s descendants, a special "window" with an iron grate was added to this wall so that passersby could see the great American’s grave without entering the grounds.

From 1977 to 2003, the cemetery was closed for extensive conservation and restoration. During this period, specialists restored over a thousand gravestones and updated the landscaping. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a living witness to the era of the struggle for independence, honoring the memory of revolutionary heroes and prominent physicians of that time.

For a standard tour of the grounds and the main memorials, 1 to 2 hours is sufficient for most tourists. This allows enough time to stroll leisurely along the shaded paths, read the interpretive signs, and, of course, visit Benjamin Franklin's grave.

If you are an enthusiast of history or genealogy, or if you plan to use an audio guide to study the biographies of prominent Philadelphians in detail, we recommend allowing about 2.5 hours. The burial ground invites quiet reflection, so many visitors find themselves staying longer than originally planned.

The burial ground generally welcomes visitors daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that there is an admission fee (a small charge for the maintenance of the monument), and access may be restricted during inclement weather or special commemorative ceremonies.

As operating hours can change depending on the season or holidays, we strongly recommend checking the official website before your visit to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Exploring the area around Christ Church Burial Ground allows you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of Colonial America and see buildings that remember the Founding Fathers. You will encounter memorial plaques and architectural masterpieces from the 18th and 19th centuries at almost every turn.

Below are some of the most interesting sites within walking distance that are worth including in your itinerary: