Culture of Oxford. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The main symbol of the city of Oxford and its world renowned landmark is the famous University of Oxford. The University now includes 39 constituent colleges located in different districts of the city. Each college has its own unique history and branding. One of the most interesting colleges for tourist visit will be the Corpus Christi College which was established in 1512. The main symbol of this educational establishment is a Turnbull sun dial which was created in the second part of the 16th century.

The Trinity College is known for its majestic gardens. An ancient church executed in baroque style and preserved till nowadays is set in close neighborhood of the college. The building of college is of great architectural significance and historical importance. It will be a great destination for tourist visit. The St John’s College is a must visit destination for tourists in Oxford. The college was established in 1497. Short after its establishment the college was left abandoned and stood desolated till 1555. Since 1555 till now the college has been operating unstoppably.

Another significant historical landmark is the Carfax Tower which is located right in the heart of the city. The tower is the only element of an ancient scale church of the 13th century survived till nowadays. The religious construction lasted till 1820 and then a decision about its demolition was made as the building of the church got time worn and posed a threat to city residents. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Numerous inestimable samples of architecture in Oxford were destroyed and badly ruined during the World War II. The Oxford War Memorial Garden resembles local folks about tense war times. The memorial was established in 1925 and is comprised of several symbolic statuary groups. The garden is crossed with alleys winding among the monuments and statues. The visitors of the place may enjoy a variety of beautiful plants.

Architectural landmarks hunters will love to visit the Blenheim Palace which is perfectly preserved till nowadays. The construction of the palace started in the beginning of the 18th century. Its building is executed in keeping to the best traditions of eclectic style. The most visited cultural establishment of the city is the Museum of Oxford as it performs an interesting collection of historical showpieces. The collection includes ancient paintings, antique furniture and inestimable art objects. A whole day will not be enough to fully embrace and enjoy the collection of the museum.

The Modern Art Oxford Museum presents collections of creations of contemporary painters and sculptors. The opening of the museum was held in 1966. Since that time the collection of the museum has largely increased. The Ashmolean Museum is as well of great interest for tourists to visit and explore. The museum keeps a collection of findings by the well-known archeologist John Tradescant. The museum was established in 1683 and is now one of the oldest cultural establishments in Oxford.

Among the most visited places in Oxford are not only its numerous colleges but also libraries. The Bodleian Library competes for the right to be called the oldest in the world with the Vatican Library (Bibliotheca Apostolica Vaticana). In fact, the first one is still older - founded in 1327 compared to 1475 when the Vatican Library was opened. An important stage in the history of the Bodleian Library was the period when it was named after Sir Thomas Bodley who initiated its restoration in 1602. By the way, movie buffs will find it interesting that many scenes from "Harry Potter" were shot in the library building (among other Oxford buildings where they filmed the story about the "Boy Who Lived" are the New College and the Christ Church College).

The main book depository of the University of Oxford is the Weston Library, which is part of the Bodleian Library. The name of Giles Gilbert Scott who worked on its project in 1940 is forever linked with the red telephone box - one of the symbols of the United Kingdom (just like the red double-decker bus). The building was renovated in 2015 so that its today's visitors can use the best and most modern equipment. It also provides the best depository for rare and fragile copies. At the official opening ceremony, one could see Stephen Hawking and David Attenborough who were invited as guests of honor. The tunnels between the Bodleian and the Weston libraries are of great interest too. Another interesting library is the Radcliffe Camera dating back to 1748. This one was built in the English Palladian style.

An important historical monument of Great Britain is Oxford Castle, which played an important role during the period of "The Anarchy", after which the Plantagenets came to power. In the 14th century, the castle lost its importance as a defensive structure and turned into a prison. The fortress was almost completely destroyed during the Civil War of 1642-1651. In 1785, it was decided to rebuild the remaining structures, which subsequently began to serve as a prison again. The prison closed in 1996 gave place to a hotel that now features beautiful historical monuments and holds tours for tourists. Wonderful theatrical performances take place on its open courtyards.

No less interesting from a historical point of view is the Sheldonian Theatre building, the construction of which was completed in 1669. The architect was Christopher Wren, the building became his second work after the Pembroke College in Cambridge. Today, it hosts great concerts, lectures, and ceremonies of the University of Oxford (before the theatre's founding, they took place in the University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin). If you want to enjoy some theatrical performances, be sure to visit the Oxford New Theatre or the Creation Drama Studio, having checked their repertoires in advance.

One of the student town's most important buildings is the University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, from which the university grew. The spire of the church is considered one of the most beautiful in the whole of Great Britain. The shrine was built back in Anglo-Saxon times, and the first written mention of it appears in 1080. It was here that the famous trial of the Oxford Martyrs took place in 1555, when the bishops Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and the archbishop Thomas Cranmer were tried for heresy. Today, the Martyrs' Memorial located opposite the Balliol College serves as a reminder of this sad event. 127 steps lead to the church tower offering fantastic views of the student town.

The Oxford Town Hall that houses the already mentioned Museum of Oxford is not only a seat of the City Council but also a permanent venue for major events in the life of the city. The current Town Hall building is the third one built on the same site. The first Town Hall was erected in 1292, the second in 1752, and the current one was completed in 1897. During the First World War, it served as a hospital for soldiers suffering from malaria. After that, the building again began fulfilling the function for which it was erected.

Among Oxford's outstanding historic colleges is Lady Margaret Hall - the first women's college founded in 1878. Since 1979, the college accepts men too. The college owes its name to Lady Margaret Beaufort, the mother of King Henry VII. The Bridge of Sighs can be found not only in Venice - a structure with the same name adorns our student town too. It was named so because of its resemblance to the Venetian bridge, although its architects had no intention to imitate the latter. One of the most original city attractions is the Headington Shark - a sculpture on the roof of one of the houses in New High Street, Headington. The sculptor is John Buckley who created his work of art in 1986.

Those wishing to stroll through the quiet streets where a peaceful atmosphere reigns should go to Iffley Village. This is where you can get acquainted with the life of medieval Britain enjoying an inimitable atmosphere of tranquility. Tourists and locals especially like to walk along the picturesque waterfront (Iffley Lock). Another good place to walk in Oxford is Wolvercote Cemetery with its beautiful tombstones - real works of art. Oxford University graduates who have made a significant contribution to the development of science and culture are buried here. The most famous among them is John Ronald Ruen Tolkien famous for his priceless high fantasy works about Middle-earth.

The name of the writer is linked with another place in the city - The Eagle and Child Pub, where meetings of "Inklings" literary circle took place (the authors of "The Lord of the Rings'' and ''The Chronicles of Narnia"' were among its members). The pub is owned by St. John's College. Opened in 1650, it is also one of the oldest pubs in the city. The gathering place was the so-called “Rabbit Room”. Among its other frequenters were Tolkien's son Christopher, Owen Barfield, Charles Williams. It is worth mentioning a couple of more great places for walking: the fact is that Oxford colleges' inner gardens are perfectly suited for this.

Among other museums that will be of interest to every tourist is the History of Science Museum with its wonderful exhibits in the form of scientific equipment of different periods. This is a cultural institution where one can fall in love with science once and for all. Oxford has some museums that kids will certainly enjoy. For example, The Story Museum with its many rooms and costumes themed on "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Apart from that, the cultural institution often hosts temporary exhibitions and art performances for young visitors. Of equal interest is the Pitt Rivers Museum - the "museum of anything and everything" that has collected handicrafts from all over the world.