Oxford

I started my walk around Oxford at Wadham College. Before I continued to the Bodleain Library I went to the Balliol College on Broad Street which was already founded back in 1263. One of the oldest in Europe, the Bodleain Library is located in a unique surrounding of historical buildings and the library building itself is quite appealing as well. The reading room of the library is the Radcliffe Camera. On the opposite side of the main Bodleain building the Sheldonian Theatre can be found. Being one of the many works attributed to Sir Christopher Wren it was built in the 1660s and is still in use today, not as a theatre though but for musical recitals and lectures for which it was actually designed.

From the Sheldonian I walked under the nice Hertford Bridge (which if often referred to as Bridge of Sighs however it doesn’t look like the one in Venice at all) into the beautiful New College Lane. This is one of the most impressive old streets in Oxford. It is only a short walk to the old wooden gates of New College but walking here feels like travelling back in time. Founded in 1379 New College is actually not that new anymore.

Turning right at I walked down the High Street and turned left into St. Aldgates, arriving at one of Oxford’s biggest and best-known colleges, Christ Church College. Not only Harry Potter and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland scenes have been produced here - but also 13 British Prime ministers. Yet another design of the ever-present Sir Wren, the Tom Tower over the main entrance is a very nice landmark indeed.

My next stop was at Magdalen College which is clearly one of the most beautiful. It even has its own tranquil meadow and deer park along the river. I finished my walk in South Park, taking in the view of Oxford's dreaming spires.

---

---