Charleston, South Carolina has many small alleys running between streets. However, unlike where I grew up (NYC) these alleys also serve as streets and entrances to old houses still in use.
Philadelphia Alley (built in 1766) has several residences as well as linking 2 main streets. Much of cobblestones remain, however twice the area burned. Pretty common for cities to have major fires a few hundred years ago.
After the second fire the city of Philadelphia sent financial aid to Charleston to help rebuild along here. It was named in honor of the city that helped.
Above, one of the old homes sitting along the alley. In Charleston it is common for houses to have their main entrance off to the side of a building, not on the street. This allowed the old homes to have large porches or gardens yet still be a small space on an old cobblestone street. Now new homes around the country follow the ‘Charleston Style’ design.
Above, looking down the alley, a slight bend, and then to Queen Street in the French Quarter.
A lovely series of shots. We have several alleys here in Ottawa (not as old however) that hold a good deal of interest too.
The concept of 350 year old alley’s is fascinating. I photographed some in Switzerland too. They were much, much older !!