Visiting Boston this year? One place that you should definitely stop by is the Old North Church in the North End.

This is a unique site in Boston, as it is both an incredibly important historical site AND the oldest active church in town.

Though called “Old North” by just about everyone, that is not its proper name. For some odd reason, Christ Church has just never caught on.  Founded in 1722, Old North is a pretty awesome place to go when visiting Boston.

Not only is it the location of Paul Revere’s famous lantern raising, but they have a wicked awesome tour that lets you see hidden to the public parts of the sanctuary.

Starting up once again on weekends in March, the “Crypt and Tower” tour is an excellent addition for any history-lover. You do have to be able to climb a set of rickety old wooden stairs up to the belfry, but are rewarded with some awesome views of Boston and in-depth knowledge about Paul Revere, the first bells brought to America, and their connection with MIT.

THEN you get to go down to the crypt, under the floor of the church. Passing the modern crypt through a small door brings you into the historic crypt with its various inhabitants.

This was my favorite part, being that I have my training in Archaeology and Anthropology. Seeing the plaque for Major John Pitcairn was a definite plus of the tour. Walking through the narrow and short passageways around the crypt is spooky, as well.

This tour is excellent. I highly suggest people check it out when they are visiting Boston.

The “Behind the Scenes” tour is highly affordable: $6 for adults, $5 for students/seniors/military, and $4 for children under 12.

Tour times are offered during March on weekends only, every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., excepting 12 noon.

*Disclaimer: Because of my work with a partner site to the Old North Church, I did not pay admission. Were I to go again, I totally would*