University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Visiting Oxford > What to See > Historical Places

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

University Church of St Mary the Virgin is actually from where Oxford University grew, and an un-missable spot if you’re visiting the city. A church was established on this site before 1068, and from at least 1252 the congregation has met here, adopting it as the first building of the University of Oxford. Believe it or not, in the early 13th century the church was actually used for lectures!

There are quite a few things to see if you visit this church, so here are the highlights you should look out for:

  • The Baroque porch: This porch was designed by Nicholas Stone and claims to be the most beautiful one in England!
  • The 13th-century tower: The tower is open to the public for a fee and offers excellent views of the city (especially of Radcliffe Camera, All Souls College, and Brasenose College). 

Where is the University Church of St Mary the Virgin?

More Historical Places

Oxford's Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower, in Oxford, is a 23-meter-high bell tower that used to belong to a 12th-century church. Here’s how to visit it (and why!).

READ »
Mob Quad, Merton College. Image courtesy of Caro Wallis

Mob Quad in Merton College

Mob Quad in Merton College is probably the oldest quadrangle in Oxford. The quad is so old, it actually doesn’t have any chimneys! (they weren’t in widespread use in England

READ »
Christ Church Cathedral - Oxford. Image courtesy of Randy Connolly

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is perhaps the most stunning college chapel in Oxford. It was built as a place of worship in the late 12th century. Though one of England’s smallest

READ »
See All

Museums & Art Galleries

Antiques on High - Oxford Museums, Art Galleries and Antiques Shops

Antiques on High

Antiques on High is an antiques and art shop from Oxford founded in 1997 and open seven days a week. It has won several awards.

Aidan Meller Gallery - Oxford Museums and Art Galleries

Aidan Meller Gallery

Aidan Meller Gallery is one of Oxford’s longest-established specialist art galleries. They showcase modern, contemporary and old masters.

Oxford Christ Church College, Canterbury Quadrangle. Image courtesy of Billy Wilson

Christ Church Picture Gallery

Christ Church Picture Gallery is an art museum holding an important collection of about 300 Old Master paintings and almost 2,000 drawings and is one of the most important private

See All

Parks & Meadows

Oxford Parks and Meadows: Oxford Canal - A Breath-taking Walk

Oxford Canal

Oxford Canal is a breath-taking option if you’re looking for an enjoyable walk close to the city. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Brasenose Woods in Oxford

Brasenose Wood

Brasenose Wood is a woodland park featuring quiet walking paths and diverse flora. It’s also part of a larger nature reserve in Oxford.

Oxford University Parks. Image courtesy of Piers Nye via Flickr Commons.

Oxford University Parks

Oxford University Parks (or University Parks) is a large park area northeast of the city. The park is open to the public during the day.

See All

Things to Do in Oxford

Shops in Oxford: The Hat Box Oxford

The Hat Box Oxford

The Hat Box Oxford is a tiny but impressive hat shop in the heart of Oxford. Here’s why you should visit and what you can see if you do.

READ »
Best shops in Oxford: Arcadia

Arcadia Bookstore

Arcadia is a popular bookstore in Oxford, offering second-hand books and stationery with a vintage and whimsical vibe.

READ »
See All

Everything about Oxford and its surrounding areas, including places to see, things to do, and information about all the colleges, libraries, and museums. 

Places to See
Historical Places
Museums & Art Galleries
Parks & Meadows
Things to Do
Oxford Markets
Theatres & Cinemas
Researching & Coworking
Gastronomy & Hotels
Sports & Events
Shopping
Oxford University
Oxford Colleges
Libraries
Permanents Private Halls
More of Oxford
Getting There
History
Articles
Shop
Contact

www.OxfordVisit.com © 2023 – Privacy Policy