Sword Gate House: Self-Guided Audio Tours
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAudio tours on your smartphone
After purchase, you will receive the link to download the app to take this tour.
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With the in-app audio guide, you decide when to start, pause, and finish your tour.
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All audio tours and tickets can be downloaded to your device anytime.
Top sights near Sword Gate House

Explore the dark side of the oldest city in South Carolina guided by this in-app audio tour! Charleston, a southern city steeped in history, is known for its well-preserved architecture, incredible restaurants, and rich culture. But there is a darker side to the city, and on that side, we’ll focus on over the course of this journey. The tour starts at the creepy place where the most notorious criminals were held — The Old City Jail known for its ghost stories. Scary legends often go hand in hand with love stories, and you will hear one of them while visiting the Unitarian Church graveyard. You will then marvel at the famed Dock Street Theater and be struck by the drama of Nettie Dickerson, which unfolded here two hundred years ago. The city's history is also connected with thrilling tales about pirates and convicts secured by the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. If lucky, you will hear moans and groans of the deceased. We'll continue our tour at the oldest Church in the City of Charleston, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, this is the place that can boast of two ghosts with tragic life stories. On our way, we'll also stop by the most haunted hotels where you will hear some spine-chilling stories about suicides. The tour ends at the picturesque White Point Gardens. It commemorates the hanging of one of the most famous pirates in Charleston's history. Apart from that, it offers a stunning view of the Charleston Harbor that you can enjoy from under the old oaks.

Immerse yourself in Charleston's rich history with this comprehensive audio tour. History buffs and culture enthusiasts will be captivated by stories spanning from colonial times to the present as they explore the prominent sites of the former walled city. Commence your journey at the bustling Market Street, delving into Charleston's storied past, and progress to a landmark symbolizing personal triumph and resilience. Along the way, trace the original boundaries of the Northern Wall, marvel at the grandeur of St Philip's Church, and experience the vibrant energy of the Dock Street Theater. Discover quaint alleys, historic homes, and the remnants of fortifications at Water Street Wall, echoing tales of the city's strength. Your audio guide will animate scenes from the colonial era in St Michael's Alley, showcase architectural marvels surviving the Earthquake of 1886, and allow you to appreciate the charm of Rainbow Row. Conclude your journey by paying tribute to Robert Smalls at Smalls Marker—an emblematic figure of Charleston's rich human narrative. From the cobblestones of Chalmers Street to the entrance of the Williams Mansion, anticipate an unforgettable exploration of Charleston's timeless allure and pivotal historical moments.

Unlock the secrets of Charleston's rich history with this self-guided audio tour that takes you through the city's most iconic heritage sites. Designed for history enthusiasts and curious explorers alike, this tour is an invitation to step back in time and witness the grandeur of Charleston's architecture and the tales it holds. Starting at the famous Rainbow Row, you'll embark on a historical journey that traces the beginnings of the Charleston peninsula. The route then takes you to marvel at the timeless beauty of pivotal landmarks including St. Michael's Church and the Charleston Harbor, before concluding at the historic Edmondston-Alston House. Along the way, you'll encounter the gothic allure of the French Huguenot Church, the protective embrace of the High Battery seawall, and the opulent Calhoun Mansion gardens. You'll also unearth the stories of The Old Exchange and the whispers of the past at the Provost Dungeon. A peek into the Heyward-Washington House and Nathaniel Russell House offers a glimpse of colonial elegance, while the Dock Street Theatre showcases a legacy of arts and culture. This audio tour serves as your personal guide, revealing the enchanting spirit of Charleston one step at a time. As you walk the same streets as the settlers and historical figures of yore, you'll become part of Charleston's ongoing story. Feel the weight of history, spot the fine details of period architecture, and experience destinations where pivotal moments unfolded – all at your own pace, with the city's whispers in your ear.

Delve into a vibrant journey through the corridors of time with this in-app audio tour, aimed at anyone with a curiosity for the past. The route navigates through the storied French Quarter and beyond, mapping out the intertwining legacy of war and peace that floors every cobblestone and archway. Starting at the bustling City Market, this self-led exploration lets you dictate the pace as you soak in the essence of a bygone era. As the narration guides you, the end of the road awaits you at South Carolina's oldest public building, the Powder Magazine, encapsulating centuries of history within its venerable walls. In between, landmarks like the US Custom House and the poignant Old Slave Mart Museum, as well as the famous Rainbow Row, paint a picture of old Charleston as vivid as the pastel hues of its historic homes. Capture the spirit of the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park, wander along the antique alleys, and stand beneath the gaze of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Parting from the rippling waves at The Battery, your footsteps will echo tales of heroes and renegades. Finishing this self-guided walk through the French Quarter, you'll carry snapshots of Robert Smalls' daring escape, Ann Bonny's pirate legacy, and the southern charm that the centuries have shaped. By journey's end, not only the city's great monuments but also its whispers of daily life long past will leave a lasting memory as you traverse historic Charleston at the echo of your own footsteps.
Things to do in Charleston
Cities in United States
About Sword Gate House
The Sword Gate House is a private residence, so that you can admire it from the outside.
The Sword Gate House is a private residence, so there are no tourists inside. You can see the house anytime from the outside.
- Admire the historic house
Built around 1803 for German merchants, the Sword Gate House is famous for its magnificent features, including the rare iron gates by the renowned manufacturer Christopher Werner. Explore the vivid details of the building's architecture. Discover the house's history and learn how it became one of the most expensive mansions in Charleston.
- Get a chance to see a ghost
Immerse yourself in the haunted history of the mansion. Get inspired by a love story that happened when the house was a boarding school for young ladies in the 1820s. You might even meet the ghost of the Sword Gate House.
The Sword Gate House is located at 32 Legare Street in Charleston, South Carolina.
Parking is available at the Queen Street Garage at 93 Queen Street and the King & Queen Garage at 85 Queen Street.
The nearest bus stops to the house are Broad Street - Meeting Street and King Street - Broad Street.
Discover the haunted history of the Sword Gate House and explore the city's mysteries with the self-guided audio tour Charleston: Ghosts of the Holy City. Meet the ghosts of Charleston and immerse yourself in the local culture.