Charleston often seems like the lively meeting point between watery wilderness and elegantly outfitted human indulgence. Perhaps this is why so many travel magazines rank Charleston at the top of State’s destinations right next to New York City and San Francisco. The port city is the jewel of South Carolina. The city’s low profile is pierced by the spires and steeples of 181 churches, a phenomenon of urban architecture that has also earned its nickname the holy city.

After 350 years of epidemics, wars, pirates, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and hubris, Charleston remains one of the nation’s best preserved cities. South of Broad Street, along South Battery and East Battery, elegant and airy old homes influenced by the style of 18th century West Indies planers face the harbour.

For most of its long history, Charleston was South Carolina’s only city. In terms of character and history, in many ways it is still the only city.