The Rotunda is the centerpiece of Jefferson's Academical Village, the core of the modern-day University of Virginia. Jefferson believed that education was a process with no end, and that interaction was a must between students and professors even outside the classroom. To aid in the realization of this vision, Jefferson designed a new educational institution that would function like a village, centered around a large open space where students and scholars may live alongside one another. While the Academical Village remains the historical, architectural and educational core of the campus, the Rotunda has come to be one of the University's most iconic symbols. Completed in 1826, the Rotunda was fashioned after the Pantheon in Rome and is a grand example of Neoclassical design. Over the years, the Rotunda has been altered greatly, especially following the fire that ravaged the building in 1895. The Rotunda, as it stands today, is a melange of Jefferson's original design and the work of the architect, Stanford White. Together with the other buildings of the Academical Village and Monticello, the Rotunda has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tours of the Rotunda are offered during the academic year daily at 10a, 11a and 2p starting in the Rotunda's Lower East Oval Room.
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Situated at the heart of the city, Court Square is one of the most significant squares in the city. A site soaked in history, the square is peppered with several vintage brick and stone structures, including the Levy Opera House, the city hall and the Eagle Tavern. Also within the square is the former slave block, an eerie site which was once used to auction slaves. Owing to its historical significance, numerous walking tours and historic are conducted at this location.
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Formed in the year 1752, Charlottesville enjoys a long and interesting history. It has been the home of three presidents, as the birthplace of James Madison, home of James Monroe and also is just three miles from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The University of Virginia is also located in Charlottesville, with several structures on the campus having been designed by Thomas Jefferson.
