Philadelphia becomes first World Heritage City in US
America’s birthplace has been named the country’s first World Heritage City.
Philadelphia joins Jerusalem, Cairo, Paris and more than 200 other places that have played pivotal roles in human history.
The Organization of World Heritage Cities voted in Peru on Friday to add Philadelphia.
The city qualifies because Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
City officials say the designation also reflects the city’s evolution into an economic and educational hub and will help boost tourism.
Philadelphia has also won international acclaim for its vibrant arts scene. It’s home to The Barnes Foundation museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Sylvester Stallone ran up the steps in “Rocky.”
The city hosted Pope Francis in September and will welcome the Democratic National Convention in July.
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