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Oxford is a charming city in Oxfordshire and a home of the Oxford University – the oldest and one of the most prestigious Universities in the world. Oxford is filled with landmarks and remarkable buildings with exceptional and inspiring architecture. Oxford University was founded in 1167 by French scholars who came to the city. Today Oxford University has 36 Colleges which cluster around the city and form this unique architecture. Christ Church College was founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey. It has a huge courtyard created by Christopher Wren in 1682. 16 of the Britain Prime Ministers have graduated from Christ Church College. Lincoln College is one of the best preserved medieval buildings and was founded in 1427. Merton College is the oldest in Oxford. It dates from 1264. The Magdalen College, New College, Trinity College, Queen’s College, St. John’s College are all remarkable and worth visiting. Most of the Colleges can be visited between 2-5PM, but first check with the boards beside each building for details.

Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera are one of the most notable landmarks in the city. The Bodleian Library was founded in 1320. The library expanded to huge proportions and was refounded in 1602 by Thomas Bodley. It is now entitled to a copy of every book published in Britain. The Radcliffe camera was built in 1748 by James Gibbs as a memorial to Dr. John Radcliffe – a physician. The Baroque rotunda is now a reading room of the Bodleian Library.


Sheldonian Theatre is another landmark not to be missed. It was the first building designed by Sir Christofer Wren and was completed in 1669. It was designed for the university graduation ceremonies and was commissioned by then Archbishop of Canterbury Gilbert Sheldon.

Ashmolean Museum is one of the best museums in Britain. It opened its doors in 1683 and has an impressive collection of paintings, drawings, Roman and Greek carvings and musical instruments.

Martyr’s Memorial commemorates the three Protestant martyrs burned at a stake – Latimer, Ridley and Cranmer. The memorial was designed by George Gilbert Scott in 1843.

Carfax Tower is the tower of the 14th century church of St Martin. The church was demolished in 1896 to widen the road but the tower is still standing. Climb the tower for spectacular views of Oxford and its spire filled skyline.

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford

Museum of Oxford



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