Bridge of Sighs
New College Lane, Oxford, OX1 3BL, GB
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Officially named Hertford Bridge, the elegant structure arching over New College Lane was completed in 1914, connecting two parts of Hertford College for its students and staff. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson, this iconic Oxford landmark, though often nicknamed after Venice's Bridge of Sighs, is architecturally more akin to the Rialto Bridge and was never intended to be a direct replica. Its distinctive blend of Gothic and Renaissance influences, showcased in ornate stone carvings and intricate details, makes it one of the city's most photographed sights and a testament to early 20th-century British architecture. While access to cross the bridge is reserved for Hertford College members, its true beauty is best admired from the narrow lane below, offering a picturesque framing of university life.
Nestled in a historically rich quarter, the Bridge of Sighs is a perfect starting point for exploring nearby treasures such as the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library, and the Sheldonian Theatre. New College Lane itself, with its medieval walls, exudes a serene atmosphere, transporting you to another era, even amidst the lively buzz of students. A charming, though entirely false, local legend suggests the bridge was once closed to Hertford College students, supposedly the heaviest in the university, to encourage them to take the stairs for exercise; in reality, using the bridge involves climbing more stairs. For an alternative viewpoint, consider ascending the Sheldonian Theatre's cupola, particularly enchanting at night when the bridge's lights cast a warm glow.
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