Remarkable Raleigh Landmarks
As you stroll through the streets of downtown Raleigh, you’ll see quite a few buildings that are old and historic with different architectural styles. Here are a few of our favorite downtown Raleigh landmarks:
North Carolina State Capitol: Located at the top of Fayetteville Street in Union Square, the capitol is one building you can’t miss! North Carolina’s state capitol opened in June of 1840 and was designed by architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Although the capitol is currently closed for tours due to construction on the copper roof and dome, you can still visit the grounds and see its impressive exterior. 1 E. Edenton St.
Historic Oakwood Cemetery: This one is a must-see for any fellow North Carolina history buffs. Over the last 150 years, the Oakwood Cemetery has laid to rest seven governors, five U.S. Senators, eight N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justices, four Civil War generals, two Secretaries of the United States Navy, numerous Raleigh mayors, N.C. State Basketball’s championship winner Jim Valvano, veterans and multiple generations of many families. Spend your Veterans Day this Friday by taking a stroll and soaking in all the history. 701 Oakwood Ave.
North Carolina Executive Mansion: Since 1891 this Victorian-style mansion has been the home to North Carolina’s governors. The grounds include gardens filled with beautiful blooms and the interior was built with all native materials even once described as, “the most beautiful governor’s residence interior in America” by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. We highly recommend a tour of the “people’s house,” especially during the holidays when the house is decorated. 200 N. Blount St.
Sir Walter Raleigh Statue: When visiting the Raleigh Convention Center, don’t miss out on the obligatory pic with Sir Walter Raleigh. The 11-foot sculpture made of bronze was commissioned by Bruno Lucchesi to celebrate the City of Raleigh’s namesake. 500 S. Salisbury St.
Christ Church Bell Tower: The bell tower at Christ Church is one of only 52 churches in America with a true bell tower. The Change Ringers is a group of eight men and women who ring the bells from the second floor of the three-story building every Sunday morning for at least an hour and a half. Pulling the ropes is no simple task with the heaviest bell weighing in at 500 pounds. Come experience the symphony of sounds! 120 E. Edenton St.