Radcliffe Camera
Oxford's most iconic building, an 18th-century Palladian domed reading room standing in the middle of Radcliffe Square, the city's most beautiful square.
The Radcliffe Camera was designed by architect James Gibbs and completed in 1749. It was Britain's first circular library. Today it serves as a reading room for the Bodleian Library and is open only to cardholders. Visitors can enter only on the extended guided tour organized by the Bodleian. Radcliffe Square is surrounded by the Bodleian Library, All Souls College, Brasenose College and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and is Oxford's most classic postcard scene. Climbing the tower of St Mary's Church is strongly recommended. It requires a ticket and has about 127 steps. From the top you can photograph the dome and the “dreaming spires” skyline from above. The Bridge of Sighs at Hertford College is just a two-minute walk away and is worth a detour.
Opening hours
Exterior all day; interior by official guided tour only
Nearby sights
- University Church of St Mary the Virgin
- Bodleian Library
- Bridge of Sighs, Oxford
- Sheldonian Theatre
- Turf Tavern
- History of Science Museum, Oxford
- Covered Market, Oxford
- New College, Oxford