Oxford University architecture

I've realized that the majority of my visually aesthetic posts have been about Austin and while that is interesting, I would like to expand and show images from around the world. Because the content on this blog needs to be taken and produced by me mostly, I am going to show you pictures from my experiences abroad last summer. This past summer, I spent six weeks studying abroad at Oxford University. For those of you who have read or seen Harry Potter, I am here to tell you that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry does exist. There are stone dormitories, little shops and amazing architecture everywhere. Wadham College

This is the interior quad of the college I stayed at. This main quad was the first example of “Jacobean architecture”, which was later adopted by most of Oxford University’s buildings. Symmetrical with the square construction is an interior grassy lawn, which students are not permitted to walk on — it is entirely aesthetic.
Hertford Bridge commonly called the Bride of Sighs

The Hertford Bridge is often called the Bridge of Sighs because of its resemblance to the famous bridge in Venice, Italy. The bridge links together the old and new quadrangles of Hertford College. The covered bridge was completed in 1914 and has been putting visitors at awe ever since.
Christ Church College

Christ Church college is typically viewed as the most prestigious and aristocratic of all the colleges at Oxford. The design for Hogwarts, which J.K. Rowling imagined, was based on Christ Church. Notable alumni of Christ Church include John Locke, Albert Einstein, King Edward VII, William Penn and Bryan Guinness (for all you lager lovers out there).
Ceiling moldings at Christ Church

Upon entering Christ Church it is nearly impossible to focus your attention on any one detail. However, if you look up for a moment you will notice intricate designed concrete moldings on the ceilings. It is this beautiful attention to detail that separates Christ Church from many of the other Oxford colleges.
Courtyard at Christ Church

When imagining a Harry Potter quidditch field, J.K. Rowling looked no further than the Christ Church courtyard. There are no barriers between your view across its immense expanse to the other side of the building. Christ Church is one of the few colleges in Oxford you have to pay an admission fee to enter, but it is well worth it.
Dormitory at Christ Church

Hope this post was interesting. I’m off to watch Harry Potter now :)