St Charles Borromeo Seminary

I can remember as an altar boy for our small Overbrook parish being allowed to swim with my cherubic friends in the interior swimming pool at St. Charles and riding our bikes down the twin exterior brick stairs and crashing onto the pristine lawns, not allowed. The magnificent Italianate main structure is awe inspiring as only a building (s) costing over a half million dollars a year to heat can be. Coming home and gushing about the size and majesty of this property within walking distance of our home, my mother would remark, «of course, the Church owns all the great real estate». She did have a knack for politicizing simple statements. If not a must see, this property should at least be on the short list of places to visit. Tours can be arranged throughout the year but Open House is in October, and if it is one of those perfect sunny Philadelphia October days, a stroll around these grounds and a peek inside not a bad way to spend an hour or two especially if you are close by.

Can’t rate this for it’s education, as I am not a man so I am not allowed to study to be a priest. I did a stint working here though. The grounds and buildings are SPECTACULAR. If you have a reason to go, you definitely should, it’s gorgeous.