Over-the-Rhine Landmarks

Music Hall

Cincinnati’s Music Hall is one of the city’s architectural gems, built in 1878. This grand, gothic-style structure stands proudly in Washington Park, drawing attention with its towering facade and intricate design by architect Samuel Hannaford. Music Hall was created to foster Cincinnati’s thriving cultural scene, and over the years, it has hosted everything from classical music and opera to ballet and more.

But there’s a darker side to this stunning venue. The site was once a potter’s field—a cemetery for the poor—and workers uncovered coffins and bones during construction. With such a history, it’s no surprise Music Hall is rumored to be haunted, and performers and visitors alike have shared stories of mysterious sights and sounds.

Despite its ghostly past, Music Hall is a place of beauty and culture, hosting the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, and May Festival Chorus. The Springer Auditorium, renovated in 2017, retains its elegant charm and provides exceptional acoustics, making Music Hall a must-visit for its haunting history and top-tier performances alike.

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Findlay Market

Findlay Market, located in the historic Over-the-Rhine district, has been a Cincinnati institution since 1855, earning it the title of Ohio’s oldest continuously operating public market. Named after James Findlay, an early settler and War of 1812 veteran, the market has always been a bustling center where locals gather to buy fresh produce, meats, and more.

The building itself is noteworthy, with its large iron frame that was cutting-edge at the time, allowing for plenty of natural light and airflow—essential before the days of refrigeration. Though it’s been restored and expanded, the market has kept that old-world charm that gives it character.

Today, Findlay Market is a community hub filled with local farmers, bakers, and specialty food vendors, making it one of the best spots for lunch or grabbing groceries. On weekends, the market transforms with street performers, craft vendors, and festivals, giving locals and visitors a taste of Cincinnati’s lively and diverse food culture.

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Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood

Over-the-Rhine, or OTR, is one of Cincinnati’s most historic neighborhoods, settled in the mid-19th century by German immigrants who crossed the Miami and Erie Canal, nicknamed “the Rhine” after the German river. This area quickly became a vibrant center for Cincinnati’s German community, complete with breweries, shops, and churches that formed a bustling working-class neighborhood.

OTR’s charm comes from its architecture, which features one of the largest collections of Italianate buildings in the country. These brick townhomes and narrow, grand buildings are rich with character and tell the story of the neighborhood’s past. While it faced tough times in the 20th century, OTR has seen a major revival in the last two decades, transforming into a trendy spot packed with cafes, breweries, restaurants, and art galleries.

Today, Over-the-Rhine blends the old with the new, creating a cultural hotspot that’s as cool as it is historic. Landmarks like Washington Park and Music Hall keep the neighborhood’s arts scene alive, while new businesses bring energy and life back to these historic streets. It’s the perfect place to experience Cincinnati’s past and present in one strollable, vibrant neighborhood.

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Old St. Mary’s Church

Old St. Mary’s Church in Over-the-Rhine is Cincinnati’s oldest standing church, built in 1841 by German immigrants who settled the area. They wanted a place to worship that preserved their language and traditions, and Old St. Mary’s reflects that devotion with its beautiful German Gothic Revival architecture, complete with a tall steeple, detailed stonework, and breathtaking stained-glass windows.

Inside, the church is a time capsule of craftsmanship, filled with hand-carved wooden details and murals that feel like a slice of old Europe. The church still celebrates Mass in Latin, a nod to its traditional roots, and German inscriptions throughout add to its historic feel.

Old St. Mary’s has witnessed countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals over the generations and remains a symbol of the neighborhood’s immigrant heritage. As Over-the-Rhine has evolved, this church has stayed constant, offering a link to the past and a peaceful escape from the city outside.

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