Old North Church
Church Historic Boston church known for Revolutionary War lanterns
An 18th-century Episcopal church in Boston’s North End, known for the lantern signal tied to Paul Revere’s ride; visited for Revolutionary War history, preserved box pews and the Freedom Trail.
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Christ Church in the City of Boston, commonly called the Old North Church, is an Episcopal church in Boston’s North End completed in 1723. It is the oldest surviving church building in Boston and a key historic site from the colonial period.
The interior retains many 18th-century features including box pews and historic furnishings. The church tower was the location tied to the April 18, 1775 lantern signal that warned colonial patriots about British troop movements.
The building was constructed in the early 18th century to serve the growing North End congregation and has remained a place of worship while also functioning as a museum and historic landmark. It has been preserved and interpreted for public visitation and education about colonial Boston.
The church sits in Boston’s North End, close to the waterfront and within walking distance of the Paul Revere House and other Freedom Trail sites in central Boston.
- Age and significance: The church building dates to 1723 and is the oldest surviving church structure in Boston, famously connected to the American Revolution.
- Revolutionary link: Associated with the April 18, 1775 lantern signal that warned of British troop movements; the site is on the Freedom Trail and near the Paul Revere House.
How to Get to Old North Church #
The Old North Church is in Boston’s North End at 193 Salem Street, a short walk (about 10-15 minutes) from the Haymarket and North Station MBTA stops; the nearest T stops include North Station (Orange and Green lines) and Haymarket (Green and Orange). Street parking is limited.
Tips for Visiting Old North Church #
- Arrive early (before 10am) to avoid the busiest tourist groups and to hear the church bells clearly.
- Climb the steeple for views over Boston's North End - the tower tour is ladder‑steep and not for those with mobility issues.
- Listen for the telling inscription over the chancel and watch the wear on the floorboards where colonial worshippers stood.
Best Time to Visit Old North Church #
Spring and autumn are best for comfortable weather and smaller crowds; summers are lively but crowded.
Weather & Climate near Old North Church #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1121 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
