Window into American History: A Self-guided Charleston Audio Tour

Charleston is often called a living museum, and this 60-minute walking tour brings its architectural history to life. Starting at the 1841 Greek Revival Market Hall, you’ll stroll Meeting Street to admire landmarks like the Circular Congregational Church and the Fireproof Building, while learning how Charleston’s built environment reflects English, French, and Barbadian influences. You’ll also discover how earthquakes, preservation, and adaptive reuse shaped the city’s landscape, ending the tour back near the Market. Highlights include: • Explore the “Four Corners of Law” with its diverse architectural styles • Examine Charleston’s iconic single house design with breezy side piazzas • Discover Rainbow Row’s colorful past and pastel façades • Learn about the 1886 earthquake’s impact on architecture • Identify French and English ironwork patterns • See South Carolina’s oldest public building, built to withstand explosions • Understand how adaptive reuse keeps historic Charleston alive

1. 1

   Circular Congregational Church

   Pass by

   Pass by and learn how this triapsal church came to be after 4 rebuilds and houses the city's oldest graveyard. Admission fees are not included in this tour.

2. 2

   Stop 2

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   The Irish Charity in Charleston, walk by this historic building that suffered extensive damage during the 1886 earthquake.

3. 3

   Charleston City Hall

   Pass by

   Pass by this beautiful Adams style building, constructed in 1801 and designed by Gabriel Manigault.

4. 4

   St. Michael's Church

   Pass by

   Stroll past the superstar church building, built in 1752 and is Charleston's oldest religious structure.

5. 5

   Stop 5

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   Catch a glimpse of this Italianate style house, one of the most beautiful and well maintained homes in the city of Charleston.

6. 6

   Stop 6

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   Walk by and learn what makes this awe-inspiring home holds the record for the most expensive home sold in Charleston.

7. 7

   Stop 7

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   Pass by this regency style home with an exceptional cast iron balcony serving as a museum today. The house has a lot of its original furnishings and has been in the hands of the Alston family since 1842.

8. 8

   Stop 8

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   Traverse along and hear why this Georgian style home's front posts are actually boat ties and other interesting design quirks.

9. 9

   Stop 9

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   Pass by what is considered the first example of the single house concept in the city of Charleston and hear about the links to Barbados.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    Pass by

    With it's Civil War roots, walk along this street, comprising of 13 buildings, and discover what inspired the bright colours and it's name "Rainbow Row".

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.