University of Virginia in Charlottesville - Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
Charlottesville, United States
27.10.2011
The University of Virginia in Charlottesville - A world heritage site of historical significance
The University of Virginia in Charlottesville, located in the state of Virginia in the United States, is a prestigious university and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, it is known as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Jeffersonian architecture in the country.
The university was the brainchild of Thomas Jefferson, who envisioned an institution of higher learning that would educate the future leaders of the newly independent United States. He designed the campus himself, drawing inspiration from the classical architecture of ancient Rome and Greece. Jefferson's vision for the university was to create an "academical village" where students and professors would live and learn together in a harmonious community.
Today, the University of Virginia's campus is still dominated by Jefferson's iconic Rotunda, a domed structure that serves as the central hub of the university. It is flanked by ten pavilions, each representing a different academic discipline, and connected by a series of colonnaded walkways known as the Lawn. The Rotunda and the Lawn are considered to be the heart of the university and are recognized as one of the most beautiful and influential architectural complexes in the world.
Aside from its architectural significance, the University of Virginia also has a rich history. It was the first university in the United States to offer elective courses, the first to establish a school of architecture, and the first to establish a school of education. It has produced many notable alumni, including eight US governors, two US Supreme Court justices, and 25 Rhodes Scholars.
Today, the University of Virginia continues to be one of the top universities in the country, with a strong focus on liberal arts education and research. Its beautiful campus and rich history make it a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture, history, or higher education.
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Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), author of the American Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States, was also a talented architect of neoclassical buildings. He designed Monticello (1769–1809), his plantation home, and his ideal 'academical village' (1817–26), which is still the heart of the University of Virginia. Jefferson's use of an architectural vocabulary based upon classical antiquity symbolizes both the aspirations of the new American republic as the inheritor of European tradition and the cultural experimentation that could be expected as the country matured.
