University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Oxford’s historical center is a melting pot of history in which you can’t take two steps without coming face to face with an important new monument. Here, it’s the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. It really is the city’s focal point, for it was around this university chapel that Oxford University developed. In fact, in Anglo-Saxon times, during the Middle Age, there was already a parish in that spot, in the heart of the fortified city. The Anglo-Saxon period is medieval England, between the end of Roman Britain in the 5th century and the Norman invasions of the 11th century. At that time, there were several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, which united in year 927 to become the Kingdom of England, with Athelstan as its first king. In short, at that time, the church was the heart of the fortified town. In the early days of Oxford University, the church was adopted as its first building. By the early 13th century, it was the seat of university government, used for lectures and graduations. Later, further buildings were added and books donated by the Bishop of Worcester were placed on the upper floor, creating the first university library. The church was rebuilt in the 16th century following a Gothic style, but you can still see elements of the original 13th-century structure, such as the tower. The baroque spire added in the 16th century is considered one of the most beautiful in England. Take time to admire it, as well as the gargoyles and grotesques decorating the façade. And once on the other side, you’ll discover an atypically beautiful Baroque porch with twisted columns. You can also enter the church free of charge and discover the magnificent stained glass windows, some of which date back to the 15th century. You’ll also see one of only two classical organs in the UK. If you’d like to look at the city from the top of the tower, you can do so at an additional cost. The view is breathtaking and well worth the detour. You can even stop on the way up and discover the part that drives the bell tower mechanism to learn a little more about how it works. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to a picturesque view of Oxford, so don’t forget to bring your cameras!