Built as a replacement for the Gothic-style church that burned down in 1956, the majestically modern Cathedral of St. Joseph built in was built in 1962. The cathedral is beautifully adorned with stained glass, elegant bronze bells and ceramic-titled murals that surround the altar of this impressive edifice.
One of the best museums in the entire country, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art houses some of the finest collections of European art. The museum walls are lined with Renaissance and Modern art, including work by Caravaggio, Lorrain, Picasso, Degas, Cézanne, van Dyck, Monet, Van Gogh, and more. One of the most outstanding collections at the museum is that of the Hudson River School and late 19th Century oil and watercolors from local artists. Open since 1842, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest public art museum in the United States.
Take a break from your hectic schedule and enjoy a few moments of relaxation at Elizabeth Park Conservancy. Operating since 1897, this beautiful park has been a place of interest for the locals as well as the tourists due to its charming gardens. The property spans an area of 102 acres (41 hectares) and is home to a heritage rose garden, horticultural garden, shade garden and four other gardens. Besides the lush greenery, it features four century-old Greenhouses verdant pathways, lawns and many more things to do on a sunny day. It also provides facilities for recreational activities like tennis courts, basket ball courts, picnic groves and many others. All in all you are sure to enjoy your time here.
This home on Farmington Avenue is where Mark Twain lived from 1874 until he moved to Europe (due to bankruptcy) in 1891. It is also the place where Twain wrote some of his most famous works, such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. The estate is in constant renovation and the curating team is always looking to restore it as it was when Twain lived here. Nonetheless, the adjacent Museum offers an exclusive documentary about the writer by director Ken Burns and the home was one of the first 100 architectural sites to be registered as a National Historic Landmark in the United States.
This theater was built in 1930 in homage to local theologian Horace Bushnell and today it still remains as one of the Connecticut's best event venues. A must-visit for all culture lovers, the Bushnell has inspired audiences with its fantastic shows and plays a leading role in the Hartford's cultural vibrancy. It is a non-profit organization renowned for community programs and a leading educator and advocate of the arts. From Broadway shows to comedians, it's a great place to spend an evening.
Since the American Revolution, Connecticut has had three Capitols; built in 1878, this angelic-white structure is the state's third and last one. Designed by renowned American architect Richard M. Upjohn, the gold-domed building was erected in the Victorian Eastlake Movement-style and constructed using marble sourced from three different East Coast states. The iconic structure's stunning main facade is embellished with a series of carefully-crafted statues that bear likenesses to some of the most influential politicians and historic citizens to have come out of Connecticut. The capitol building is currently home to the state senate and the house of representatives, while also maintaining the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state.
Trinity Episcopal Church is a charming church nestled at the heart of the city. This church dates back to the 1859 and was situated at a different location. The church was moved to the present address only in the late 19th Century. The church welcomes everyone for worshiping and regularly arranges masses and prayers. Besides being a religious place, the church is the meeting venue for people fighting against social problems.
The New England Civil War Museum in Rockville, Connecticut is located northeast of Hartford and is a wonderful small, volunteer-run museum dedicated to the role of New England and its inhabitants during the Civil War. It is housed inside of a lovely brick structure (the Memorial Building) built in 1890 to honor veteran Union soldiers. The museum houses three different collections: the Hirst Brothers Collection of the 14th Connecticut Infantry, the Weston Collection of the 4th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry and the Thomas F. Burpee Collection of the 21st Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Visitors can check out the exhibits on the second and fourth Sunday of the month.
Located in the Coventry Lake are of Coventry, Connecticut, The Strong House is one of the most iconic structures in the city with its history dating back to 1710. The building's exoskeleton is made of wood, featuring 2.5 stories, sloping roofs, double chimneys, and a centrally positioned entrance. A registered historic site, the building is maintained by the Coventry Historical Society, offering tours around the property for visitors.
Built in 1839, the Simsbury Townhouse was the city townhouse for almost a century. Commonly called Boy Scout Hall, this Greek Revival landmark is rented out to local organizations for private events. With maxing standing capacity of 177, it is the venue for several fitness classes and community events.
Located to the east of Wethersfield, the Buttolph-Williams House is one of the oldest structures in the city. Established in 1711, this house was constructed in the Puritan style. Its facade features wooden clapboards and casement windows with diamond-shaped panes. The house was renovated in the 1940s by Frederick C. Palmer, who restored it to its former glory. Managed by the Connecticut Landmarks, Buttolph-Williams House opened as a museum in 1951. Elizabeth George Speare's historical fiction, "The Witch of Blackbird Pond," was set around this house, making it a popular visitation spot amongst fans of this novel.