PA Roadside Attractions

Exploring the Reading Pagoda in Berks County

This collage showcases four photos of the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA. The top left image features the Pagoda with its seven stories and distinctive red roofs, framed by trees and overlooking the city below. The top right photo captures a panoramic view from the Pagoda, highlighting the lush green landscape and distant cityscape. The bottom left image provides a close-up of the Pagoda's detailed stonework, balcony, and red-tiled roof. The bottom right photo shows visitors enjoying the scenic overlook, with the Pagoda and parked cars visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, you’re in the right place!

The photo features the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, showcasing its seven-story structure with five distinct red roofs and upswept eaves. The torii gate at the entrance stands prominently, with a backdrop of lush greenery and the city of Reading visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky. Two visitors are seen near the entrance, adding a sense of scale to the historic landmark.

Situated on the southern tip of Mt. Penn, the Reading Pagoda stands as a symbol of the city of Reading, Pennsylvania.

The photo captures a scenic view from the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, overlooking the city of Reading and its surroundings. The foreground is filled with dense green foliage, while the cityscape and distant hills stretch out under a sky dotted with dramatic clouds, showcasing the natural beauty and expansive vistas visible from the Pagoda.

Directions and Hours

The Reading Pagoda is located at 98 Duryea Drive, Reading, PA 19602.

As of 2024, visitors can admire the Pagoda only from the outside, as the interior is closed for much-needed restoration work.

The photo shows a close-up of the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, focusing on the detailed stonework and architecture of the structure. The red-tiled roof with upswept eaves is prominently displayed, along with the ornate stone balcony and columns. The windows and doors on the lower levels are visible, highlighting the historic and exotic revival design of the Pagoda. The surrounding greenery and blue sky add to the overall aesthetic of the image.

However, the surrounding park remains open from dawn until dusk year-round, offering a picturesque setting to appreciate this historic landmark.

The photo depicts the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, with its striking seven-story structure and five red roofs with upswept eaves. The torii gate at the entrance is visible, framed by lush green foliage in the foreground. The Pagoda stands against a backdrop of hills and a partly cloudy sky, with visitors seen near the entrance and in the surrounding area, enjoying the historic site.

History of the Reading Pagoda

This iconic structure, built in 1908 by businessman William Abbott Witman Sr., was inspired by a postcard of the Philippines.

This vintage postcard depicts the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, illuminated at night. The seven-story structure with its red roofs and upswept eaves glows warmly, with lights shining through the windows. The Pagoda is set against a dark, cloudy sky with a full moon, adding a mystical atmosphere to the scene. The stone base and surrounding railings are also visible, highlighting the Pagoda's impressive architecture and hillside location.

Fascinated by the exotic Asian design, Witman envisioned a similar structure that would replace the scars left by his stone quarrying operation.

This vintage postcard depicts the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, from a side angle, showing the structure perched on the hillside of Mt. Penn. The seven-story Pagoda with its red roofs and upswept eaves stands against a backdrop of green hills and a clear sky. A winding road and stone walls lead up to the Pagoda, emphasizing its elevated and scenic location. The surrounding area includes lush trees and a vast landscape, highlighting the Pagoda's commanding view over the region.

Originally intended to be a luxury hotel, the Pagoda’s construction cost $50,000.

The photo captures the historic Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, on a sunny day. The seven-story structure with its five overhanging red roofs and upswept eaves stands prominently against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky. The surrounding area includes a stone wall and a small parking lot, offering a panoramic view of the city below.

Despite Witman’s grand plans, the county’s denial of a liquor license due to unsafe winding roads led to the abandonment of his resort vision.

Toyota Tacoma parked in front of the Reading Pagoda in Berks County Pennsylvania.

Unable to generate revenue, Witman lost the Pagoda to foreclosure.

This vintage postcard shows the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, perched on the hillside of Mt. Penn. The seven-story structure with its distinct red roofs and upswept eaves stands out against a clear blue sky. A stone staircase leads up the hill to the Pagoda, surrounded by greenery and colorful foliage, highlighting the scenic and elevated location of this historic landmark.

In 1910, Jonathan Mould, a bank director, acquired the property and subsequently sold it to the City of Reading for one dollar in 1911.

The photo features the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, viewed from the parking lot. The seven-story structure with its red roofs and upswept eaves is prominently visible on the left side. Visitors are seen enjoying the scenic overlook, which offers expansive views of the lush green landscape and the city of Reading below, under a partly cloudy sky. The stone wall and parked cars add context to the accessibility and popularity of this historic site.

Since then, the municipality has maintained this architectural gem, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The photo provides a close-up view of the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, highlighting the intricate stonework, wooden doors, and ornate balcony railings. The red tiled roof with upswept eaves is prominently featured, and the scenic backdrop includes the sprawling city of Reading and the surrounding hills under a partly cloudy sky.

What You’ll See at the Reading Pagoda

The Pagoda’s dimensions are impressive, standing 28 feet wide, 50 feet long, and 72 feet high.

The photo shows the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, perched on the southern tip of Mt. Penn. The seven-story structure with its five overhanging red roofs stands prominently, overlooking the city of Reading and the surrounding hills. Visitors can be seen near the stone wall, enjoying the scenic views on a sunny day with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds. The lush greenery adds to the serene atmosphere of the location.

Situated 620 feet above the city, it boasts five overhanging red roofs with upswept eaves, each receding two feet from the one below.

The image highlights the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, with its seven-story structure and distinctive red roofs with upswept eaves. The torii gate at the entrance is prominently displayed, framed by green foliage in the foreground. The Pagoda's stone and wooden details are clearly visible, with the city of Reading seen in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The Pagoda features a torii gate at its entrance, resembling an elaborate ranch entrance, welcoming visitors into its historic embrace.

The image captures the majestic Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, standing tall with its seven stories and five overhanging red roofs. The torii gate at the entrance adds an authentic oriental touch. The Pagoda is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds, offering a panoramic view of the city of Reading below.

The view from the Pagoda offers a breathtaking panorama of the city below, a sight that has captivated generations of visitors.

The photo showcases a panoramic view from the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, overlooking the city of Reading and the surrounding landscape. The scene features lush green trees in the foreground, rolling hills, and a vast expanse of the city under a partly cloudy sky, highlighting the beauty and tranquility of the area.

Final Thoughts

From a defaced mountain to an exotic architectural marvel, the Pagoda has become an enduring symbol of Reading.

The photo showcases a close-up of the intricate architectural details of the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA. It highlights the ornate gold lionhead ornamentation at the corner of the upswept red-tiled roof. The craftsmanship of the stonework and the wooden trim is also visible, emphasizing the Pagoda's exotic revival architectural style.

Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone looking for an easy-to-access scenic overlook, the Reading Pagoda is a must-visit destination when passing through Berks County.

The image captures the Reading Pagoda in Berks County, PA, standing seven stories high with its distinctive five overhanging red roofs and upswept eaves. The torii gate at the entrance is prominently displayed, with lush greenery and the city of Reading visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The stone wall and parking area in the foreground add to the historic and serene atmosphere of the landmark.

Nearby Attractions

Crystal Cave in Berks County was the first “show cave” to open in Pennsylvania, with official tours beginning shortly after it was discovered in 1871!

Exploring Crystal Cave in Berks County Pennsylvania

Koziar’s Christmas Village is a magical Christmas time destination in Berks County that beckons with its twinkling lights and festive cheer.

This collage presents four festive images from Koziar's Christmas Village in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Top left is an aerial night view of the village lit up; top right features a horse statue by a decorated wagon; bottom left shows the 'Santa's Train Center' sign; and bottom right captures a panoramic view of the village's sparkling lights and reflective water.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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