Historic buildings, great shopping and bags of local colour – what’s not to love about Copley Square?
Copley Square is one of the jewels of the upmarket Back Bay area of downtown Boston. Locals come here to take a break from work, meet friends by the elegant fountain or shop at the bi-weekly farmers’ market, while visitors are drawn by its architecturally important buildings and harmonious ambience.Originally called Arts Square and renamed in 1883 after the painter John Singleton Copley, the charming green gardens are surrounded by history. Two of Boston’s most prized treasures are the Old South Church and Trinity Church, both dating from the 1870s. The Romanesque Revival-style Trinity is noted for its murals and an unusual staircase on the Boylston Street side of the church.The Beaux Arts gem of the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel occupies the former site of the Museum of Fine Arts. Even if you’re not lucky enough to be a hotel guest, ask if you can take a peek at the famous gilded entrance hall known as Peacock Alley. Then marvel at the Italian Renaissance-inspired murals, vaulted ceilings and elegant courtyard of the Boston Public Library, which became the first free-lending public library in America when it was built in 1895.A more modern but equally impressive architectural landmark is the John Hancock Tower, the tallest building in Boston, providing spectacular views from the top of its 60 storeys – rivalling even the iconic Prudential Tower at 800 Boylston Street.Copley Square is just a short hop from Copley Place, one of the city’s favourite malls with over 70 shops selling all the major fashion labels, upmarket accessories and homeware. The Back Bay neighbourhood is served by a major subway stop as well as several bus routes. Parking nearby can be difficult, so public transport is recommended.
