Oxford is one of the oldest and most celebrated university towns in Europe and for centuries has rivaled Cambridge for academic preeminence in England. Its untrammeled spirit of exploration, numerous delightful gardens, courtyards and university parks, together with the hectic bustle of its pedestrian zone and excellent cultural facilities, all help create a very special atmosphere.
number one Oxford city Center
although the center of Oxford is not large, plenty of time should be allowed for a visit since there are so many things to do here. The city’s four principal streets meet at the intersection known as Carfax, a good starting point for a tour. Here you’ll find the 14th-century Carfax tower, a relic of St.
Martin’s Church, now destroyed, which has great views over the city.
Number two University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
while sightseeing in the city center, be sure to include the university church, the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, or simply St. Mary’s on your Oxford itinerary.Â
A highlight of your visit should be climbing its finely decorated tower. Built around 1280, this vantage point offers excellent views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Number three Christchurch Cathedral.
although the present building dates from the 12th century, Christchurch acquired cathedral status in 1546. The most striking feature in the interior is the double arcading of the nave, creating an impression of much greater height.
In the 14th century, the church was extended to the north and the choir was created in 1500 with fan vaulting overhanging keystones.
Number four Christchurch College Christchurch
one of the largest of Oxfords colleges, was founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey and refounded after his fall by Henry VIII. Tom Tower, added by Christopher Wren in 1682, contains a huge seven ton bell known as great Tom, which peels 101 times every evening at 09:05 p.m. Once for each member of the original college.Â
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Number five Radcliffe Square.
one of the largest of Oxfords colleges, was founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey and refounded after his fall by Henry VIII. Tom Tower, added by Christopher Wren in 1682, contains a huge seven ton bell known as great Tom, which peels 101 times every evening at 09:05 p.m. Once for each member of the original college.Â
Located in the city center, Radcliffe Square is home to many of the city’s most important college buildings. Here you’ll find the old school’s quadrangle, 1613, and the Radcliffe camera, 1737, a rotunda that originally housed the Radcliffe Library. The 16 sided room on the ground floor is now a reading room for the Bodleian Library, the university library and the countrys first public library, founded in 1598.
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number six sheldonian theater.
constructed in 1664, the Sheldonian Theater was Sir Christopher Wren’s second major building.
Of special interest here is the historic venue, spectacular ceiling fresco restored in 2008. The fresco, which depicts truth removing ignorance from the university, consists of 32 panels originally painted in the 16 hundreds.
Number seven Ashmolean Museum
the Ashmolean Museum,
formerly known as the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archeology, was founded in 1683. Not only is it the oldest museum in the country, it’s also the most important of the four university museums. The neoclassical building houses a magnificent collection of art and antiquities, including classical sculpture, far eastern art, greek and roman pottery and a valuable collection of jewelry.
Number eight history of science museum
the history of science Museum, housed in the old ashmolean building, the worlds first purpose built museum building, is a fascinating facility that specializes in the study of the history of science and the development of western culture and collecting.
number nine martyrs Memorial across in St
Giles street, marks the spot where the reformers Latimer, Ridley and Cranmer were burned at the stake between 1555 to 56, an event commemorated by the Martyrs Memorial 1841. The nearby Rhodes House, headquarters of the Rhodes Trust, founded in honor of south african statesman Cecil Rhodes, is also worth checking out.
Number ten Oxford Castle and prison Oxford Castle
has been a place of incarceration since 1071, continuing until the closure of her Majesty’s prison, Oxford in 1996.
