Rittenhouse Square
- Pennsylvania
photo: J.B. Lippincott & Co.
Why go there?
When William Penn founded the city of Philadelphia, he drew up a map that included five public squares - one in the center and one in each quadrant. Originally known as Southwest Square, Rittenhouse Square is today the most vibrant one, home to some of the best restaurants in Philly and lots of luxury shops. Named for astronomer and clockmaker David Rittenhouse, it's a popular spot to relax outdoors and people-watch. Check out the "Lion Crushing a Serpent" sculpture by Antoine-Louis Barye in the central plaza. An allegory of the French Revolution, it depicts the power of good defeating evil.
