The oldest neighbourhood in Richmond, Church Hill sits on a hill east of downtown with views over the James River and the city's skyline. The hilltop is anchored by St. John's Church (where Patrick Henry gave his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech in 1775) and surrounded by intact 19th-century rowhouses, many recently renovated. Church Hill has become one of the most desirable addresses in the city, with a concentration of ambitious new restaurants opening in the past decade.
The neighbourhood's character combines genuine historical depth — you can walk streets that looked much the same in 1865 — with a lively contemporary restaurant and bar scene centred on 25th Street. The views from the hilltop looking west toward downtown and south toward the river are the best in the city.