Preservation Society of Charleston

These tours include a delightful walk onto several private house piazzas and porches and into gardens where docents will delight and amuse you with tidbits of history and lore. A unique feature of Charleston’s architecture, “piazza” is a 17th century Italian term which means “open space” and is used by the Holy City instead of the more common word “porch” or “veranda.” In Charleston, piazza design and placement are based on local needs, culture, and tradition, originating in the days before air conditioning. Gaining entrance to the piazza, it is easy to imagine the cooling breezes enabled by their western exposure. Piazza visitors may even get a peek into the windows of some of Charleston’s historic houses. Leaving the piazza, you are invited to pass through the garden gate and enjoy some of the finest enchanting private gardens in the historic district. Note: tours are exterior only. No property interiors will be included. Maps and ticket instructions will be mailed one week prior to the tour. All guests, volunteers, and staff are required to wear masks.