As you walk into the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, you feel like you've been transported to another world. The lush tree cover and plants create a pleasant and calm atmosphere. The park offers a wide variety of educational programs teaching various methods to preserve the environment. It also offers grants to students wanting to pursue their studies in botany and other related fields. Moreover, the Center for Sustainable Landscapes which is found within the conservatory is environmentally sustainable, earning four stars from the Sustainable SITES Initiative.
Towering at the center of the University of Pittsburgh is the 42-story high Late Gothic Revival Cathedral known as the Cathedral of Learning. A modern-day Pittsburgh landmark, this architectural wonder was built in 1934 and is the second tallest university building in the world. One of the most photographed landmarks of the city, the tower is also renowned for housing the Nationality Rooms. The rooms portray various cultures from the world that have influenced the growth of the city.
This chapel, a landmark on the University of Pittsburgh's campus, was erected as a memorial of the Heinz family. The Heinz family, one of the major producers of ketchup and condiments in the United States, lived and started their now world-renowned business in Pittsburgh. The family still funds many scholarships and services at the university. The chapel is non-denominational and holds a variety of services, weddings, and concerts. See the website for details on special events.
Located in the historic side of Pittsburgh, this aviary has a treasury of beauty in store. Come by to enjoy wildlife in the lovely woods of North Pittsburgh. This place houses more than 600 rare and endangered species of birds. Witness various flight atriums, bird-related exhibits, and demonstrations. Take a break from your TV set and get your children along to do some real bird-watching and learn more about nature and these lovely creatures. Home to more than six hundred birds, the National Aviary is the only one of its kind being given the "national" status.
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is one of the best in the country, where each enclosure is spacious enough to allow the animal to roam freely while also allowing good views for visitors. The best part is that one can get up close with polar bears, primates and other exotic animals. Experienced handlers and stringent maintenance of every space add to the experience. The zoo is deeply involved with the conservation of nearly extinct flora, fauna and animal life. Moreover, you can use facilities such as scooter rides, adult strollers, wheelchairs, safari jeeps, carouse rides, tram rides and more.
Over five acres (2.02 hectares) of lawns, gardens and historic buildings make up the Frick Art and Historical Center, which is adjacent to part of the sprawling Frick Park. Landmarks in the center include the Frick Art Museum, the Car and Carriage Museum, Clayton House, a greenhouse, an education center, a museum shop, and a cafe.
As you walk into the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, you feel like you've been transported to another world. The lush tree cover and plants create a pleasant and calm atmosphere. The park offers a wide variety of educational programs teaching various methods to preserve the environment. It also offers grants to students wanting to pursue their studies in botany and other related fields. Moreover, the Center for Sustainable Landscapes which is found within the conservatory is environmentally sustainable, earning four stars from the Sustainable SITES Initiative.
Located within the Cathedral of Learning of University of Pittsburgh, The Nationality Rooms are essentially very unique classrooms. Covering the first and the third floor of the building, each of these 29 rooms depicts an ethnic culture and nationality that has had a hand in developing Pittsburgh. Each room was designed by a dedicated architect, usually hailing from the same culture as the room reflected; and every room is beautifully done up employing architectural styles and artifacts from its respective ethnicity. For example, the Indian classroom mirrors the courtyard at Nalanda University in Bihar and the Turkish one represents a typical Turkish hayat and features Turkish artworks and knickknacks like the Evil Eye. Established in 1938, these make for a thoroughly interesting visit.
St. Anthony's Chapel was built as a shrine to St. Anthony of Padua in the 1880s. Father Suitbert Mollinger, a wealthy Belgian priest, provided the funding for the project; unfortunately, he died shortly after the shrine was completed. Renowned for housing approximately 5000 artifacts, St. Anthony's Chapel may be the home of the largest collection of religious relics other than the Vatican. Tours are conducted at 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Established in 2012, Pittsburgh Winery has made a name for itself in a short span of time. A steadfast commitment to traditional wine-making methods and a keen eye on grape-sourcing have earned fine accolades for their wines. Learn more about their process through the winery tours on offer. The tasting room at the winery lets you sample some of the fine varietals they're known for. Besides this, the winery is also a lively concert venue attracting local bands. Check website for more.
As a tribute to the Big Steel companies in Southwestern Pennsylvania that played a crucial role in building some of America's greatest landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area was created by the Congress in 1996. It is devoted to the maintenance and preservation of the resources of this steel-centric heritage. One of the exhibits include the Homestead Room, a permanent exhibit at the site that showcases artifacts related to Homestead Works. There are also other attractions such as the Mountains of Fire, Big Steel and the Thunder of Protest, each explaining the journey of the steel industry. Tours are also conducted.
Located in Pittsburgh's industrial town of Swissvale, on the banks of Monongahela River, Carrie Furnaces are the sole non-operational furnaces in the entire region of Pittsburgh. Made using 2.5” thick reinforced steel and with refractory lining on the interiors, these blast furnaces are prime examples of pre-World War II era iron-making and processing technology. Earlier a property of Homestead Works, these historical furnaces were built way back in 1884 and were operational up till 1982. The furnaces are reported to have produced over 1000 tons of iron per day, during peak operations. These historical furnaces and the entire site was inducted into the list of National Historic Landmark in 2006.