University of Pittsburgh Campus Walk

Thinking about Pitt, or just curious about the university that put a 42-story tower in the middle of Oakland? This self-guided loop shows you the campus a student lives in every day: where classes happen, where first-years sleep and eat, where they study, and where they cheer on the Panthers. Along the way you'll meet the people behind the buildings, from Jonas Salk and his polio vaccine to transplant pioneer Thomas Starzl and Pirates hero Bill Mazeroski.

The walk covers about 3 kilometers (just under 2 miles) and takes about 90 minutes with short stops. Start at the Cathedral of Learning at 4200 Fifth Avenue and finish next door in Schenley Plaza. Paths are paved, but Pitt sits on a hill: the stretch up to Allen Hall, the Petersen Events Center and Salk Hall is a steep climb, so take it slow.

Each stop tells you whether you can step inside or should enjoy the building from outside. Everything on the route is free to see, and a few spots, like the Nationality Rooms, post their own hours.

13 stops on this tour:

Cathedral of Learning - A 42-Story Classroom

Stephen Foster Memorial - Pittsburgh's Songwriter

Heinz Memorial Chapel - The Ketchup King's Tribute

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall - A Temple for Veterans

Allen Hall - Mellon's Lab and Marie Curie

Petersen Events Center - Home of the Oakland Zoo

Salk Hall - Where the Polio Vaccine Was Born

Scaife Hall - Pittsburgh, Transplant Capital

Litchfield Towers - Freshman Central

William Pitt Union - A Hotel for Presidents and Ballplayers

Hillman Library - Pitt's Big Study Hall

Forbes Field Wall - Maz's Home Run

Schenley Plaza - From Parking Lot to Front Lawn