According to listofusnewspapers, the port city is not a travel destination that impresses with a lot of fanfare. It is an architectural jewel that invites you to travel back in time, but also leads to dark times in American history. Because once Charleston was not only the metropolis of the southern states, but also the hub of slavery in the British colonies. Many splendid estates are reminiscent of the time when many Americans grew rich through slavery and plantations, and Charleston’s economy flourished. You can admire some of these buildings on a walk or a carriage ride through the historic old town.

Tip : With the Tour Pass Charleston you can save money when entering numerous sights and, since processing is 100 percent digital, you no longer have to queue for tickets. This leaves more hours to properly appreciate the numerous sights of Charleston. The price for the pass starts at 66.51 euros per person.

But also numerous sports and shopping opportunities, restaurants and attractions for children and nature lovers invite to entertaining pleasure in the city in South Carolina.

Historical and cultural attractions in Charleston

With a rich history, Charleston has a variety of cultural attractions to offer travelers, including:

• The Charleston City Market: The Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States and is considered the cultural heart of the city. More than 300 dealers sell their goods in the local market halls all year round and there is always something to do, try and of course buy. From April to December there is also a hustle and bustle there on Friday and Saturday evenings between 6.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. The Sweetgrass Baskets, which are made by the descendants of the former slaves according to centuries-old African tradition, are a very special product.
• The Battery: The Battery is located in Charleston Harbor. Not only will you find magnificent private properties in the style of the southern states, but also cannons and cannonballs from the American Civil War and many statues. Rainbow Row is also located at the port of the city, with its colorful houses a very popular photo opportunity. The unique array of restored pastel-colored houses from the 18th century is located at 83-107 East Bay Street.
• The Boone Hall Plantation: One of the oldest and probably also one of the most famous plantations is the Boone Hall Plantation, whose majestic oaks covered with Louisiana moss flank the way there like a trellis. The crowns of the trees planted in 1743 provide pleasant shade on hot days. And even if the house itself is no longer in its original condition, when you look at this stately property you get the feeling of being transported back in time.

This feeling is reinforced by the Gullah women (descendants of African slaves), who you can watch here weaving traditional baskets. If you want, you can also visit the former cotton plantation, which became world famous through films like “Gone with the Wind” and “Torches in the Storm”, as part of a carriage ride. In addition, the ground floor of the house, the former accommodation of the slaves and the gardens with the butterfly pavilion can be visited.

• College of Charleston: Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is the oldest educational institution south of Virginia. A tour of the historic building can be perfectly combined with a walk through the Upper King Street Design District with its many artisans.
• Nathaniel Russell House: The past is omnipresent in Charleston. This is also the case in this house of the merchant Nathaniel Russell, which was completed in 1808. The lavishly designed architectural masterpiece is one of the US National Historic Landmarks and can be viewed on your own or as part of a guided tour.
• Fort Moultrie: The history of Fort Moultrie goes back to the end of the 18th century. At that time the fort consisted only of palm trunks and sand. It was just one of several that were built for defense on Sullivan’s Island. Over time, the fort was modernized more and more, as the weapon technology became more and more sophisticated. Today Fort Moultrie is a tourist attraction where visitors are able to trace the history of the fort from the construction of palm trees to the time of World War II.
• Fort Sumter National Monument: In Charleston Harbor is Fort Sumter, the place where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. The fort has been a National Monument since 1948, can be visited and can only be reached by Fort Sumter Tours boats. Depart from Liberty Square / Aquarium Warf in Downtown Charleston.
• Dock Street Theater: The Dock Street Theater was America’s first playhouse in 1735. The existing building dates from 1809 and was restored in 1935. The facade, entrance and balcony have been preserved. The interior of the Dock Theater is also worth seeing. The model for the interior was a London theater from 1730.
• John Rutledge House: John Rutledge House is a historic house on Broad Street and was once the home of John Rutledge, a signatory to the United States Constitution. The building was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

The Holy City – Charleston and its numerous churches

Charleston is located in the so-called Bible Belt in the south and southeast of the USA. But even for the cities in the Gürtel, the number of churches in the city is exceptional. There are fifty places of worship in the city that are not only worth visiting on Sundays.

For example:

• Circular Congregational Church and Parish House: The church, built in 1890, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also one of the United States’ National Historic Landmarks.
• St. Michael’s Church: It’s the oldest church of its kind in Charleston, and it’s not just worth a visit for its ornate stained glass windows.
• Huguenot Church: Located in the French Quarter, the Huguenot Church is the oldest neo-Gothic church in South Carolina. It was built in 1844. It has been declared a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. In English, the Gothic Revival is known as the Gothic Revival.