Atlantica - 01.09.2004, Blaðsíða 38

While Philadelphia is home to plenty of patriotic land-
marks (the Liberty Bell) and sites of historic interest
(Independence Hall), it also has a reputation as a cultur-
al centre with excellent museums and some spectacular
architecture, offering a lively post-modern mix of sky-
scrapers and red brick townhouses. A statue of city-
founder William Penn, which stands on top of City Hall,
is the largest piece of sculpture on any building in the
world – stretching 548 feet into the sky. A domed enclo-
sure at the foot of the statue provides a panoramic view
of the downtown. Until 1987, city architects agreed on a
height restriction on buildings that no central city build-
ing would climb higher than Penn’s bronze image.
These days, skyscrapers dominate the skyline.
Philadelphians have benefited over the years from
having the first of just about everything. The city is
home to the first American zoo (in Fairmount Park), the
FABULOUS PHILLIE
PHOTOS BY ÁSLAUG SNORRADÓTTIR
first public library (at the American Philosophical Society), the
first U.S. mint, and the first American art museum.
The City of Brotherly Love is a perfect place for long walks in
the four parks spread over the main quadrants of the downtown.
A night time walk over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge gives visi-
tors a graceful view of the city harbour-front. The bridge spans
the Delaware River and connects the city with Camden, New
Jersey.
For eating out, you won’t find a more sublime experience than
Morimoto at 723 Chestnut St. Every aspect of the restaurant,
whether the neon-lit glass doors opening into the kitchen or the
rippling bamboo ceiling, contributes to this restaurant’s reputa-
tion as one of the best in the city. The preparation, quite unlike
California-type sushi restaurants, is authentically Japanese with
elaborate rolls mixed with adventurous items like wasabi
tiramisu and soba noodles. Check out the chef’s specials, which
serve inventive raw fish and vegetable combinations. IAM
036 Philadelphia 23.8.2004 20:11 Page 36