Some universities don’t just offer students an abundance of knowledge, they also give them a beautiful place to learn it in.
From having ancient libraries to boasting botanical gardens to being UNESCO World Heritage Sites, keep scrolling to see some of the most beautiful universities in the world.
University of Cambridge – Cambridge, England
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Not only is Cambridge one of the best universities in the world, it is also one of the most beautiful. Each of the university’s 29 undergraduate colleges has a unique design and architecture, making each stunning in its own way. Of course, the winding River Cam makes the university grounds even more dreamy.
National Autonomous University of Mexico – Mexico City, Mexico
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The National Autonomous University of Mexico is so stunning that it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. The school was designed by some of Mexico’s best-known architects, and the murals on the main campus were painted by recognized Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros.
Oxford University – Oxford, England
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The University of Oxford dates back to 1167, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Thanks to its impressive age, it features examples of almost every major architectural style — from the ancient Saxon to Palladian.You may recognize its Christ Church College from “Harry Potter” films, where it doubled as Hogwarts’ Great Hall.
Yale University – New Haven, Connecticut
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Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is famous for is Gothic Revival architecture and Ivy League status. It features buildings designed by famous architects, like Frank Gehry, Louis Kahn, and Eero Saarinen.
Lomonosov Moscow State University – Moscow, Russia
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Lomonosov Moscow State University’s impressive Main Building is 787 feet at its peak, making it the tallest university building in the world.
University of St Andrews – St Andrews, Scotland
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The University of St Andrews is Scotland’s very first university, having been founded between 1410 and 1413. Its campus is filled with medieval architecture and courtyards, and it even provided the romantic backdrop to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s romance.
Stanford University – Stanford, California
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Stanford University is one of the largest college campuses in the United States, spanning 8,180 acres. It features sprawling lawns, dramatic driveways, and flowerbeds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who co-created New York City’s Central Park.
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven – Leuven, Belgium
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Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is Belgium’s largest university, and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest in Europe. Its gorgeous main building used to be a chateau dating back to the 15th century.
University of Salamanca – Salamanca, Spain
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The University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain, and famous for its Baroque architecture. It’s also home to a stunning library that is said to be one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
University of Virginia – Charlottesville, Virginia
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Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia’s campus has a “presidential touch.” In fact, Jefferson has said that UVA was one of his proudest accomplishments. One of the university’s most well-known buildings is the Palladian-style rotunda, said to have been inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
University of Helsinki – Helsinki, Finland
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The city center campus of the University of Helsinki is made up of stunning pastel buildings, and features the largest academic library in Finland. However, its biggest architectural gem is its idyllic Botanical Garden, which has 10 acres of plants used for research purposes.
Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Harvard’s iconic red brick buildings and architectural gems like the High Victorian Gothic Memorial Hall make it not only one of the most prestigious universities in the world, but also one of the most beautiful.
Trinity College – Dublin, Ireland
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Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university. Its most iconic building is the Old Library, which was founded by Queen Elizabeth in 1592, and is known for its Baroque style (as well as for being home to the famous Book of Kells, a holy manuscript from the Middle Ages).
École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts – Paris, France
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The most prestigious fine arts university in France, it’s no wonder École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts is so stunning. The jewel of the campus is the Palais des Études, which features bronze-cast wreaths, Roman-style paintings, and a spectacular grand courtyard.
Queen’s University Belfast – Belfast, UK
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Queen’s University in Belfast has over 300 buildings, but is best known for the Tudor Gothic-style Lanyon building, which opened in 1849.
Source: thisisinsider
