St John's College

St John's College

Tour Guide & Itinerary: College main gate — Front Court — Chapel — Middle Court — Bridge of Sighs — New Court. Highlights

The Bridge of Sighs within St John's College was built in 1831 and modeled after the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. It is said that in the past, when students passed over the bridge, it signified the start of exam season, and their anxious sighs gave the bridge its name. The bridge is most picturesque when viewed from the nearby Kitchen Bridge and is also a must-pass spot on the River Cam punting route. Introduction Built in 1511, St John's College is the second largest college in Cambridge. Its site was originally home to St John's Hospital. The Bishop of Ely had intended to establish the first college of the University of Cambridge here, but the plan was opposed by monks and was not realized until April 9, 1511, when construction began.

Upon entering the college through the main gate and passing through the Front Court, Chapel, and Middle Court, you’ll arrive at the banks of the River Cam. The surrounding college buildings are mainly in Tudor-Jacobean style. The corner tower brick gatehouse, built in 1514, features colorful heraldic emblems. Most of the college buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries and display portraits of famous alumni. There are two bridges along the river: the Wren-designed Kitchen Bridge (built in 1712) and the renowned Bridge of Sighs. Transportation Located at the intersection of Silver St. and Queens' Lane, close to the starting point of the River Cam punting trip at Mill Pier. Visitors can only enter via the Visitors' Gate on Queens' Lane and cannot enter directly from the main gate on Silver St. Tickets/Opening Hours Adults £2.2, children and seniors £1.3.

Opening Hours: March 31 to November, Monday to Friday 10:00–17:00, Saturday and Sunday 9:30–17:00.

Cambridge, UK