Oxford

Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and All Souls College in the city center; Iffley Church.

Oxford is a city of about 135,000 residents in Oxfordshire, England. It is known as the "City of Dreaming Spires," a phrase coined by Matthew Arnold for its beautiful architecture.

Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, beautiful college chapels, an ancient cathedral, and many important sites in the history of English Christianity. Notable religious figures such as John Wycliffe, John Wesley, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have called Oxford home, as has your humble webmaster.

Oxford also boasts a number of historic and interesting parish churches, including the fantastic Iffley Church, often described as the best Romanesque church in England. Follow a link below to explore the fascinating history, architecture and religious sites of the beautiful city of Oxford.

City Guide & Travel Resources

Oxford Map A detailed, interactive city map of Oxford.
Oxford Photos Our exclusive photo galleries of Oxford colleges, churches, and other sites of religious significance.
C.S. Lewis in Oxford A photographic guide to sights associated with C.S. Lewis in Oxford, including his house, college, favorite pubs, and grave.
Oxford Timeline A handy chronology of Oxford's history, with an emphasis on religion and architecture.
Oxford History A brief history of the university and city.
Oxford Transportation How to get to and around Oxford.
Oxford Guided Tours Book a sightseeing bus or other tour in Oxford.
Oxford Hotel Reservations Oxford hotels at Expedia.
Oxford Hotel Reviews Unbiased reviews and price comparisons on Oxford hotels.
Oxford Travel Forum Advice and insider tips on Oxford from fellow travelers.
Oxford Car Rentals Get to (or out of) Oxford with a rental car from Oxford or any major English city.

Sacred Sites & Religious Places

	All Souls College Founded in 1432 to pray for souls in purgatory, All Souls College consists entirely of post-doctorate fellows. Its lovely chapel features a large stone-carved screen behind the altar.
	Bodleian Library This world-famous university library houses several important religious manuscripts and the beautiful, fan-vaulted Divinity School.
	Brasenose College Founded in 1509 and named for an antique brass knocker of a lion's nose, Brasenose consists of three attractive quads just off Radcliffe Square. Its 17th-century chapel has a splendid painted fan vault.
	Christ Church Cathedral This unique cathedral is also the chapel of Christ Church College, the most prestigious college in Oxford. It incorporates the ancient shrine of Oxford's patron saint, Frideswide.
	Church of St Mary the Virgin The official church of the university, St. Mary's has seen many historic sermons over the centuries and still holds regular services today. Climb the tower for spectacular views of the city.
	Eagle and Child Pub It's rare that a pub has religious significance! Here the beloved Christian writer C.S. Lewis and his Catholic friend J.R.R. Tolkien met to discuss their latest books over a pint.
	Iffley Church Built in 1170 and unusually well-preserved, this is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in England. The west and south door are covered in zig-zag decorations and wonderful figurative carvings.
	Keble College Made of multicolored brick and lined with colorful mosaics, Keble's unique college chapel was built as part of the 19th-century Oxford Movement.
	Magdalen College Founded in 1448 and known for its beautiful tower and choral ritual on May Morning, Magdalen College also has many gargoyles, a fine chapel, extensive grounds and associations with C.S. Lewis.
	Martyrs' Memorial A grand memorial spire stands in the center of Oxford to commemorate the Oxford executions of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer and other bishops under "Bloody" Queen Mary.
	Merton College Founded in 1264, Merton College is the oldest college in either Oxford or Cambridge and its buildings are among the most interesting in Oxford. The large 14th-century chapel has plentiful medieval stained glass.
	St Giles Church This attractive 12th-century parish church just north of the city center was consecrated by St. Hugh of Lincoln.
	St Michael at the North Gate This parish church has the oldest building in Oxford (tower of 1040) and some of the oldest stained glass windows in England (1290). Thomas Cranmer was imprisoned here before his martyrdom.
	St Peter-in-the-East A fine 12th-century church that is now the library for St Edmund Hall. It is surrounded by an ancient churchyard with grand old trees. The interior is not accessible but the exterior is the best part anyway.
	St Philip and St James An attractive 19th-century parish church that now houses the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. The interior is not accessible without an appointment.
	Trinity College Built in the 1690s, this small chapel is considered a masterpiece of English baroque. Victorian stained glass windows depict northern English saints.