Cincinnati's Historical Buildings (Self Guided), Cincinnati

A place where remarkable landmarks, river views and rolling hills are all part of the cityscape, Cincinnati, OH is a home to one of the most impressive collections of historic architecture in the United States. German homes, French cathedrals and splendid 19th-century mansions are found here in abundance. The list of architectural styles present in the city is truly impressive and includes Greek-, Renaissance- and Gothic Revival, Italianate, Richardsonian Romanesque, Art Deco and Moderne, to mention but a few.

Among the numerous structures noteworthy for their architectural characteristics or historic associations there are several distinctive gems. Suchlike is the St. Peter in Chains Cathedral – a Roman Catholic temple of Greek revival style, whose cornerstone was set on May 20, 1841; upon completion, it was the tallest structure in Cincinnati for its time.

Another prominent place of worship is the historic Isaac M. Wise Temple erected for Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, founder of American Reform Judaism.

Cincinnati City Hall – completed in 1893, this Richardsonian Romanesque structure was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on December 11, 1972. An optical trick, known as forced perspective, makes this building appear larger than it actually is.

Cincinnati Music Hall – built in 1878, this is one of the oldest and largest performance halls in the U.S., particularly noted for its Gothic German architecture.

William Howard Taft National Historic Site – is a two-story Greek Revival house built circa 1845 – the birthplace and childhood home of William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States.

If you're keen to marvel at these and other notable landmarks of Cincinnati, delve into the local history, and see how heritage informs fresh, fun, new experiences, take this self-guided walking tour!