Old North Church
The steeple from which the “one if by land, two if by sea” signal was hung in 1775. It is Boston’s oldest surviving church.
Completed in 1723, it is the oldest surviving church building in Boston. On the night of April 18, 1775, the church sexton hung two lanterns in the steeple to signal that British troops were coming by sea. Paul Revere then rode through the night to raise the alarm, sparking the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Inside, the white high-backed box pews are preserved, and visitors can explore on their own (suggested donation about $10). Guided tours of the crypt and the bell tower are available for a fee. Located in the North End, it is the third-to-last stop on the Freedom Trail, and the small garden in the back courtyard is a quiet place to rest.
Opening hours
10:00–17:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- North End
- USS Constitution / Charlestown Navy Yard
- Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall
- Old State House
- New England Aquarium
- Bunker Hill Monument
- Massachusetts State House
- Freedom Trail