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/ #visitportland / @visitportland

Photos Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Robert Witkowski,

Corey Templeton (4)

At the heart of Portland’s visual appeal

is an historic urban hub rich with arch

itectural gems. Because a 4th of July

fire in 1866 destroyed most of the city’s

commercial buildings and homes, much

of the city’s historic architecture dates

from the Victorian era. Well-preserved

examples of 19th century styles dot the

landscape, co-existing comfortably with

more modern buildings.

To best explore Portland’s historic neigh

borhoods, take a seasonal guided walking

tour with Greater Portland Landmarks,

or a self-guided walking tour using the

interactive maps and downloadable pdfs

on their website

You can also purchase printed walking

tour booklets from the Visitor Informa

tion Center at Ocean Gateway. Viewing

building details such as graceful cornices,

granite and brick facades, and delicate

gingerbread trim is best done on foot;

pedestrians can walk the length of the

Portland peninsula in under an hour and

see a wealth of architectural styles.

Eye CANDY

Portland’s preservation ordinance protects landmarks and designated

historic districts, ensuring a city whose past is glimpsed daily, even as

it embraces the present and prepares for the future.

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