ANDALUSIA HISTORIC HOUSE, GARDENS & ARBORETUM
A NATURAL PARADISE
Located on a wooded promontory overlooking the Delaware River, Andalusia has been a stately presence on this stretch of water, just north of Philadelphia, for more than 225 years. The ancestral home of the Biddle family, Andalusia is also a natural paradise of preserved native woodlands and spectacular gardens that continue to evolve today. The mansion at the center of the property—called the Big House—is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States. Placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1966 and opened to the public in 1980, it provides an unparalleled look into the nation’s past, while offering a glimpse into the lives of the influential family that lived there.
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TOURS & EVENTS
Stroll the spectacular formal gardens and native woodlands on a self-guided garden tour, enjoy sweeping views from a seat along the banks of the Delaware River, or step inside the country home of Nicholas Biddle, President of the Second Bank of the United States.
CABARET BY THE RIVER 2025
Don’t miss the 2025 Cabaret by the River at Andalusia this fall. This annual black-tie event includes an evening of cocktails, gourmet dining, a live auction, and exciting musical entertainment against the backdrop of an extraordinary setting on the Delaware River.
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A ‘GROTESQUE’ TOUR AT DUSK
Once the sun is down, explore the mansion and grounds with Executive Director John Vick, hearing selections from Edgar Allan Poe, who visited Andalusia in 1840, with commentary connecting each short story to its reading location. This tour begins with drinks and snacks outdoors.
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HISTORY
In 1795, Philadelphia merchant John Craig purchased a 100-acre country estate north of the city in response to the recent yellow fever epidemic. He called it Andalusia, reflecting his business enterprises throughout Spain and the Spanish colonies. His daughter, Jane, and her husband, the scholar and banker Nicholas Biddle, would later transform the property into the stunning and tranquil destination it is today.
