Thomas Jefferson himself founded the University of Virginia, situated in the small, but amazing city of Charlottesville, in 1819. With a central focus on the library instead of the churches or other religious buildings that were common at the time, his new educational concept was quite revolutionary.
Known as the Rotunda, that library is the focal point of the Lawn, a large grassy area surrounded by white colonnades, pavilions and small student rooms. All combined, the Rotunda and the Lawn make up Jefferson’s “Academical Village”, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with Monticello, Jefferson’s old residence).
It already was prestigious when it was founded and the University of Virginia remains one of the country’s best schools.
Visiting Virginia University
It’s entirely possible to spend one or two days exploring the University of Virginia, but, on the other hand, you can also see most of the major attractions in an hour or two. Historical tours are offered to visitors multiple times during the day, but those who want to explore on their own can, of course, do so as well.
The Academical Village is what visiting Virginia University is all about, a relatively small area around which visitors can stroll at their leisure—it makes for a convenient loop walk, on the way taking in the Rotunda, the pavilions, the prestigious colonnaded student rooms, the serpentine gardens, the range with the former room of Edgar Allen Poe, and the Lawn itself.
Each of the ten pavilions is designed in a particular architectural style and serves as lodging and educational space for students and faculty members. All pavilions are connected by a colonnaded walkway, home to 54 student rooms where the best students live.
Visiting Virginia University is a strongly recommended thing to do for anyone visiting Virginia or, by extension, the American South. The fact that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site shows how significant a place it actually is.
Additionally, when in Charlottesville, make sure not to skip Monticello and the Historic Downtown Mall. You can also drive to Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive, as well as a beautiful winery-dotted rolling countryside.