With a congregation founded in 1636, the Center Church is the fourth meeting house to reside on its current location with the present church built in 1807. The Center Church has always maintained itself as not just a religious icon of the city, but as a cultural one as well. Today, there are concerts and important city events, such as First Night, which are held on the grounds of the church. Also on the site of the church is Hartford's oldest cemetery, the Ancient Burial Ground, where its citizens were interred from 1640 to 1802. "Our Church is 375 years old; our thinking is not" is the motto of the 375 year-old house of worship and is one of the most progressive congregations in the state.
An area that was once farmland, the South End of Hartford is now home to the city's Italian community. Stroll through this district and you'll see Italian flags just as often as you'll see the stars and stripes. Follow your nose to the many delis, restaurants, bakeries and small import grocery stores that line the street as well as charming boutiques. Soon you'll feel like you've discovered a bit of Rome in Connecticut.
Built in the early 20th Century by the industrialist George C.F. Williams in the Georgian Style of Architecture, the Connecticut Governor's Residence has been serving the state governors since 1945. It was added to a National Register of Historic Places in the year 1985. The structure has been restored to its original form and part of the interiors have been modified. You can visit the house with prior appointment.
