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Library · Oxford, Inglaterra
Radcliffe Camera
The Palladian rotunda of 1749 at the center of Radcliffe Square, a symbol of Oxford and a reading room of the Biblioteca Bodleiana. Inside access is only by guided tour.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Radcliffe Camera
The Radcliffe Camera is the domed circular building occupying the centre of Radcliffe Square, in Oxford. It was designed by James Gibbs in the Palladian style and completed in 1749 with money left by the physician John Radcliffe for a science library. The name comes from the Latin camera, meaning room. Today it serves as a reading room of the Biblioteca Bodleiana, used by students.
The square around it is one of the most photographed in England. It is flanked by the Bodleiana itself to the north; by the university church of Santa Maria to the east, with its 13th‑century tower; by All Souls College, with Hawksmoor's twin Gothic towers; and by Brasenose College to the west.
The interior, with two circular rooms beneath the dome, is only open as part of the Bodleiana's longer guided tours, on set days and times. From outside, the best view of the ensemble is from the top of the tower of the church of Santa Maria, open to climb for a fee (127 steps), which shows the whole square and the roofs and towers of the colleges.
Radcliffe Square is pedestrianised, and at night the rotunda is illuminated.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 minutes for the square; an additional 30 minutes for the tower of the church of Santa Maria. The interior visit is part of the Bodleiana's longer guided tours.
Best time
Early in the morning for photos without groups, or late afternoon when the stone takes on a golden tone. The tower of the church of Santa Maria closes at certain service times; check in advance.
How to get there
It is on Radcliffe Square, in central Oxford, between Broad Street and High Street, a 15‑minute walk from the train station and 2 minutes from the Bodleiana.
Tip
Climb the tower of the church of Santa Maria for the view of the Radcliffe Camera from above. To enter the rotunda, book the Bodleiana's longer guided tour, which usually sells out.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Radcliffe Camera
Can you enter the Radcliffe Camera?
Only on the longer guided tours of the Bodleian Library, because it is a student reading room.
Where can you see the Radcliffe Camera from above?
From the tower of the university church of St Mary, in the same square, with a paid climb of 127 steps.
What does Camera mean?
It comes from Latin and means 'room'. The name honours John Radcliffe, who left the money for the building.