University Church of St Mary the Virgin, University church on High Street, Oxford, England
The University Church of St Mary the Virgin rises from High Street with a 74-meter tower and Gothic spire overlooking Radcliffe Square. The English Gothic nave extends westward, with side aisles supported by pointed arches.
The church became the first building of Oxford University in 1252 and hosted congregations and graduation ceremonies until the 17th century. The baroque porch at the north entrance was added by Nicholas Stone in 1637, sparking controversy at the time.
The choir performs during Sunday services, bringing together music and Anglican liturgy beneath the medieval vaults. Visitors attending worship can experience the acoustics that have shaped religious life here for centuries.
The tower is reached by a spiral staircase of 127 steps leading to a viewing platform above the rooftops of Oxford. The climb is worthwhile in clear weather, when the Radcliffe Camera and surrounding colleges are visible below.
The south aisle contains a 13th-century column capital carved with a lizard clinging to a grapevine. This carving is among the oldest surviving details from the original building.
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