The Serene Sanctuary of First Unitarian Church of Providence
Explore the First Unitarian Church of Providence: a serene architectural marvel and cultural landmark in Rhode Island's historic College Hill.
Nestled in the charming College Hill neighborhood of Providence, the First Unitarian Church is a stunning architectural gem that offers visitors a peaceful retreat. Its serene atmosphere, beautiful stained glass windows, and rich history make it an essential stop for any traveler exploring Rhode Island's capital. The church is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural landmark, reflecting the values of inclusivity and community that are central to the Unitarian Universalist tradition.
A brief summary to First Unitarian Church of Providence
- 1 Benevolent St, Providence, College Hill, Rhode Island, 02906, US
- +1401-421-7970
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the church's schedule for guided tours to get the most out of your visit.
- Don't miss the chance to admire the stunning stained glass windows; they're a highlight of the interior.
- Visit during the week for a quieter experience, as weekends can be busier with services and events.
- Take a stroll around the College Hill neighborhood before or after your visit to enjoy the historic architecture.
Getting There
-
Bus
If you are in Narragansett, you can take the RIPTA bus #66 from the Narragansett Park & Ride. Board the bus heading towards South Kingstown. After about 20 minutes, get off at the stop for URI/Kingston train station. From there, transfer to bus #1 towards Providence. Stay on the bus for approximately 30 minutes until you reach the stop at the intersection of Benevolent St and Prospect St. From there, it’s a short walk to the First Unitarian Church, located at 1 Benevolent St.
-
Bicycle
If you prefer to bike, you can rent a bike in Narragansett. Start at the Narragansett Town Beach and head north on Ocean Road. Continue until you reach Point Judith Road, then take a left. Follow Point Judith Road until it merges with Route 1. Keep going until you see the signs for Providence and exit onto Route 1A. This will take you into Providence. Once you get to the downtown area, follow signs for College Hill and Benevolent St. The First Unitarian Church will be on your right at 1 Benevolent St.
-
Walking
If you enjoy walking, you can walk from Narragansett to Providence. Start by heading north on South Pier Road. Follow the path along the coast until you reach the Narragansett Town Beach. Continue walking along Ocean Road towards the north. This is a long walk, approximately 14 miles, so it may take several hours. When you reach the intersection with Route 1, continue on Route 1 into Providence, following the signs for College Hill. Once you arrive in the College Hill area, turn onto Benevolent St, and you will find the First Unitarian Church at 1 Benevolent St.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
For a more direct option, consider using a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Simply request a ride from your location in Narragansett to 1 Benevolent St, Providence, RI 02906. The trip will take about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Discover more about First Unitarian Church of Providence
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The General Ambrose Burnside Mansion
0.1 km
Discover the historical charm of the General Ambrose Burnside Mansion in Providence, Rhode Island, a captivating landmark that echoes the past.
Van Wickle Gates
0.2 km
Explore the Van Wickle Gates at Brown University, a stunning monument rich in history and architectural beauty in Providence, Rhode Island.
Quiet Green
0.2 km
Experience the serene beauty of Quiet Green, a tranquil park in the heart of College Hill, perfect for relaxation and exploration near Brown University.
Benefit St
0.2 km
Discover the historic charm and vibrant culture of Benefit Street in Providence, RI, known for its stunning architecture and artistic heritage.
Main Green
0.2 km
Experience the serene beauty of Main Green at Brown University, a lush park that blends academic heritage with vibrant community life in Providence.
Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
0.2 km
Explore the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, where the world's cultures come alive through fascinating exhibits and educational programs.
Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial
0.3 km
Explore the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial in Downtown Providence, a powerful tribute honoring the victims of the Holocaust through art and reflection.
Thomas P. Ives House
0.3 km
Discover the architectural beauty and rich history of the Thomas P. Ives House, a stunning historical landmark in Providence, Rhode Island.
Carrie Tower
0.3 km
Discover the historical charm of Carrie Tower in Providence, Rhode Island, a stunning Gothic Revival landmark offering breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience.
Bronze Bruno Statue
0.3 km
Discover the Bronze Bruno Statue in Providence, Rhode Island – a captivating historical landmark that celebrates legacy and artistry in the heart of College Hill.
Market House
0.3 km
Explore the historic Market House in Providence, RI, a vibrant heritage building offering local culture, architecture, and community events in the heart of the city.
Corliss-Carrington House (1810) U.S. National Historic Landmark, Williams Street
0.3 km
Explore the historic Corliss-Carrington House, a U.S. National Historic Landmark in Providence, RI, showcasing early 19th-century architecture and charm.
Edward Dexter House
0.3 km
Explore the Edward Dexter House, a stunning 18th-century historical landmark in Providence's College Hill, and embrace the rich heritage of the area.
Historic Market Square
0.3 km
Discover the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Historic Market Square in Providence, Rhode Island, a must-visit destination for every tourist.
Providence National Bank Facade
0.4 km
Explore the Providence National Bank Facade, a stunning architectural gem in Downtown Providence reflecting the city's artistic spirit and rich history.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Stephen Hopkins House
0.2 km
Explore The Stephen Hopkins House, a captivating museum that brings America's revolutionary history to life in Providence, Rhode Island.
The John Brown House Museum
0.2 km
Discover the historical significance of The John Brown House Museum, a stunning Georgian residence that reveals Rhode Island's fascinating past.
The Providence Athenaeum
0.2 km
Explore the rich literary heritage and vibrant culture at The Providence Athenaeum, a historic library in the heart of Rhode Island.
Memorial Park
0.2 km
Explore the tranquility and historical significance of Memorial Park, a beautiful urban oasis in Downtown Providence, Rhode Island.
John Carter Brown Library
0.2 km
Discover the hidden gems of American history at the John Carter Brown Library, a treasure trove of rare books and manuscripts in Providence, Rhode Island.
College Hill Historic District
0.3 km
Discover the historical beauty and cultural richness of College Hill Historic District, a must-visit destination in Providence, Rhode Island.
RISD Museum
0.3 km
Discover the RISD Museum: a treasure trove of art and culture in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, featuring diverse collections and engaging exhibitions.
Brown University
0.3 km
Explore the historic and vibrant campus of Brown University, where academic excellence meets stunning architecture in Providence, Rhode Island.
Custom House
0.4 km
Explore Custom House in Providence, a historical landmark that unveils the rich heritage and architectural beauty of the city.
First Baptist Church in America
0.4 km
Explore the historic First Baptist Church in America, a cornerstone of spiritual heritage and architecture in Providence, Rhode Island.
Essential places to dine
Hemenway's Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience fine dining at Hemenway's Restaurant in Providence - where exquisite seafood meets elegant ambiance.
Parkside Rotisserie & Bar
0.2 km
Experience flavorful American cuisine and crafted cocktails at Parkside Rotisserie & Bar in Providence – a perfect blend of taste and ambiance.
Bacaro
0.3 km
Discover Bacaro in Providence: An upscale Italian restaurant offering exquisite cuisine and fine wines in an inviting atmosphere.
Capriccio
0.3 km
Experience exquisite Italian dining at Capriccio in Downtown Providence, where Mediterranean flavors meet culinary artistry.
Pot au Feu
0.4 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Pot au Feu in Downtown Providence; where culinary artistry meets local flavors in an inviting atmosphere.
Layali Restaurant Bar
0.4 km
Discover Layali Restaurant Bar in Downtown Providence: where Mediterranean flavors meet vibrant nightlife.
Circe Restaurant & Bar - Providence
0.4 km
Discover the culinary artistry of New American cuisine at Circe Restaurant & Bar in Downtown Providence, where elegance meets flavor.
Ten Prime Steak & Sushi
0.4 km
Experience fine dining at Ten Prime Steak & Sushi—where exceptional steaks meet exquisite sushi in Downtown Providence.
Bellini (Providence)
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine in Downtown Providence at Bellini - where tradition meets modern dining.
Rogue Island Local Kitchen & Bar
0.5 km
Discover Rogue Island Local Kitchen & Bar in Providence: A vibrant New American restaurant with local flavors and a lively bar atmosphere.
Louis Family Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Louis Family Restaurant in Providence with delicious meals and warm hospitality.
Sarto Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Sarto Restaurant in Downtown Providence—where every dish tells a story.
New Rivers
0.5 km
Discover the art of American cuisine at New Rivers in Providence – where local ingredients meet innovative culinary techniques.
Palo
0.5 km
Discover Palo: A premier tapas bar in Downtown Providence offering innovative small plates and exquisite drinks in a vibrant setting.
Mills Tavern
0.5 km
Experience culinary excellence at Mills Tavern in Providence, offering exquisite seafood and steak dishes in an elegant atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bangled Tiger
0.1 km
Discover unique fashion treasures at Bangled Tiger, Providence's premier vintage clothing store, where every piece tells a story.
Found
0.2 km
Explore a treasure trove of unique handmade gifts and home goods at Found Gift Shop in Providence, Rhode Island.
risd:store
0.4 km
Explore RISD Store in Downtown Providence for unique art supplies, creative gifts, and exclusive RISD merchandise.
environs
0.5 km
Explore Environs Gift Shop in Downtown Providence for unique, locally-crafted treasures that capture the essence of Rhode Island.
Project Attic Boutique
0.6 km
Explore Project Attic Boutique in Providence for unique vintage clothing treasures that celebrate timeless style and individuality.
Existential Thread Co
0.6 km
Explore timeless fashion at Existential Thread Co, where vintage meets creativity in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island.
SPECTRUM-INDIA
0.6 km
Discover the essence of India at Spectrum India, a vibrant gift shop in Providence offering unique crafts, jewelry, and spiritual supplies.
Craftland
0.6 km
Explore Craftland in Providence, RI - a unique gift shop and art gallery showcasing local artisans' creativity through handcrafted treasures.
Modern Love
0.6 km
Explore Modern Love in Downtown Providence for a unique gift shop and shoe store experience filled with local creativity and style.
Queen of Hearts
0.6 km
Discover unique gifts, stylish clothing, and exquisite jewelry at Queen of Hearts in Downtown Providence, a must-visit for every traveler.
Homestyle
0.7 km
Explore Providence's Homestyle Gift Shop for unique local treasures and handcrafted gifts that celebrate Rhode Island's vibrant culture.
The Vault Collective
0.7 km
Explore the charming world of vintage fashion at The Vault Collective in Downtown Providence, where unique treasures await every fashion enthusiast.
Old as Adam
0.7 km
Uncover unique vintage clothing and antiques at Old as Adam, a charming store in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island.
Pleasant Surprise
0.7 km
Explore Pleasant Surprise in Providence, RI: A charming gift shop offering unique treasures and local artisan crafts for every occasion.
NAVA
0.7 km
Explore NAVA, a boutique in Providence offering curated fashion, unique gifts, and local artistry for an unforgettable shopping experience.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Walnut Room
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Walnut Room in Providence, where creative cocktails and live music create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Wild Colonial Tavern
0.2 km
Embrace the lively spirit of Wild Colonial Tavern, a must-visit bar in Providence, RI, for craft beers, cocktails, and camaraderie.
Red Door
0.4 km
Explore the lively Red Door in Downtown Providence for innovative cocktails and unique bar food that promises an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Needle and Thread
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant cocktail culture at Needle and Thread in Providence, where exquisite drinks meet culinary excellence in a lively atmosphere.
Providence GPub
0.5 km
Discover Providence GPub, where a vibrant atmosphere meets delicious gastropub cuisine in the heart of Downtown Providence.
Rooftop at the Providence G
0.5 km
Experience breathtaking views and exquisite dining at Rooftop at the Providence G, a premier destination in downtown Providence, RI.
The Eddy
0.6 km
Discover The Eddy, a vibrant cocktail bar in Downtown Providence, offering innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Free Play Bar Arcade
0.8 km
Experience nostalgia and fun at Free Play Bar Arcade, where classic gaming and nightlife converge in downtown Providence.
The Malted Barley
0.8 km
Explore The Malted Barley, a vibrant bar in Downtown Providence, known for its extensive craft beer selection and delicious pub cuisine.
The Hot Club
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Providence at The Hot Club, where great food meets lively entertainment by the water.
The Point Tavern
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings at The Point Tavern, a must-visit bar in Providence's Fox Point neighborhood, perfect for all visitors.
Marcelino's Boutique Bar
0.8 km
Discover the finest cocktails in Downtown Providence at Marcelino's Boutique Bar, where mixology meets a lively atmosphere.
Nick-A-Nees
0.9 km
Experience the local nightlife at Nick-A-Nees, a vibrant bar in Providence's Jewelry District, offering great drinks and live music in a welcoming ambiance.
Tiny Bar
0.9 km
Discover Tiny Bar in Providence's Jewelry District: a cozy spot for delicious cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.
Murphy's Providence
0.9 km
Discover the lively spirit of Murphy's Providence, where great food, craft drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere come together in Downtown Providence.