Philadelphia Named Nation's First 'World Heritage City'

Philadelphia has become the first World Heritage City in the United States.

The city received the designation this week through a vote taken by the XIII World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Arequipa, Peru. Philadelphia joins 266 other World Heritage Cities, including Florence, Paris, Moscow, Jerusalem, St. Petersburg and Prague.

“The designation comes as the result of a two-year campaign and is expected to enhance the City’s international stature and provide a new growth engine to drive tourism and commerce in the region,” the mayor’s office said in a statement.

Local officials expressed excitement over the news, which they say will bring more people to visit, invest and work to the region.

“Today marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in the history of Philadelphia, which is proud to become the first World Heritage City in the United States,” said Mayor Nutter. “As a World Heritage City, Philadelphia is being officially recognized on the global stage for its wealth of contributions to the world as the epicenter of American democracy and for its enduring commitment to preserving the unique historical and cultural assets in our diverse community.”

The Global Philadelphia Association has worked with Mayor Nutter’s Administration on the joint initiative since 2013.

According to the mayor’s office Philadelphia had a strong case to become the country’ first World Heritage City because of the fact that it is home to Independence Hall, where America’s Founding Fathers forged democratic ideals into the Declaration of Independence and changed the course of history to give birth to a nation in 1776.

“I am thrilled to welcome Philadelphia into the Organization of World Heritage Cities. Over the last two years, Philadelphia has made an excellent case and is very deserving of becoming the first U.S. City to become a full member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities,” said Denis Ricard, Secretary General of the Organization of World Heritage Cities.

Mayor Nutter will celebrate news with a toast to World Heritage PHL at the Independence Visitors Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday, November 11 at 4 pm.