Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford (must see)

While Oxford University was initially established by clergy members with a primary focus on theology education, it quickly evolved to serve various purposes beyond academic study. One such multifunctional building is the Sheldonian Theatre.

For numerous centuries, graduation ceremonies were conducted at Saint Mary the Virgin on High Church. These events often transformed into lively celebrations, a stark contrast to the solemn religious setting. This displeased the church's clergy to the extent that in 1660, they sought assistance from Gilbert Sheldon, who served as the University's Chancellor. Sheldon, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury, not only embraced the idea but also personally financed the construction of a dedicated venue for these ceremonies.

The theater's design was entrusted to Sir Christopher Wren, who departed from the prevalent Gothic architectural style. Instead, he drew inspiration from the 1st-century BC Theatre of Marcellus in Rome. However, a challenge arose due to the D-shaped structure being too wide for the roof beams to support. To overcome this issue, Wren employed a geometric grid pattern, originally devised by John Wallis in 1648. This pattern featured a lattice framework of timber trusses and crossbeams, eliminating the need for additional supporting pillars. In 1802, George Saunders oversaw the reconstruction of the roof.

Adorning the ceiling are 32 oil-on-canvas panels, forming a captivating fresco that narrates the story of Truth, Arts, and Sciences triumphing over Ignorance within the University. Today, in addition to graduation ceremonies, the theater serves as a venue for various events such as conferences, lectures, and music recitals.

A remarkable feature of the theater is its octagonal lantern situated at the center of the roof, with windows on all sides. This offers splendid panoramic views of the city and is accessible to the general public.