University Church of St Mary the Virgin

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin, in Oxford

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is the church of the University of Oxford, whose tower offers one of the finest panoramas of the town. The Oxford audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this major sanctuary, in the heart of Radcliffe Square.

The church of the university and its panoramic tower

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is the official church of the University of Oxford and one of the most important buildings of the town. It played a central role in the history of the university: for centuries, it is here that the academic ceremonies, the sermons and the great assemblies were held, before the construction of the Sheldonian Theatre. Its architecture mixes the styles, from Gothic to baroque, with notably an entrance porch with spectacular twisted columns. Its high medieval tower, elegant and richly adorned with pinnacles, dominates Radcliffe Square and the heart of Oxford: you can climb it to enjoy one of the finest panoramas over the roofs, the spires and the colleges of the town. The church was also the theatre of striking episodes of English religious history, notably during the trial of the Oxford Martyrs. A major sanctuary and an exceptional belvedere, the University Church of St Mary the Virgin is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the official church of the University of Oxford, where the academic ceremonies were formerly held, with architecture mixing Gothic and baroque, with its porch with twisted columns, and with its high medieval tower adorned with pinnacles, which you can climb for one of the finest panoramas over the roofs and the spires of Oxford. The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is a major sanctuary of Oxford. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin lies on Radcliffe Square and the High Street, in the heart of Oxford, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; access and the climb of the tower follow their own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the University Church of St Mary the Virgin of Oxford important?

Because it is the official church of the University of Oxford, where the academic ceremonies were formerly held; its high medieval tower, which you can climb, offers one of the finest panoramas over the roofs and the spires of the town.

Where is the University Church of St Mary the Virgin of Oxford?

On Radcliffe Square and the High Street, in the heart of Oxford, in England.