The Rotunda stands at one end of The Lawn, the Central Grounds of the University of Virginia and is part of The Academical Village . Designed by Thomas Jefferson and inspired by the Pantheon, construction began in 1822 and was in 1826, after his death. It was rebuilt, but with a modified design, after being destroyed by a fire in 1895. In 1973, it was again rebuilt, this time restoring it to Jefferson's original design. The Rotunda is the symbolic head of The Academical Village and the University of Virginia and is the basis for The University's logo. The Academical Village is one of 754 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
The Academical Village surrounds The Lawn with The Rotunda on the northern end and Cabbel Hall on the southern end with the pavilions on either side. Approximate Latitude/Longitude: N38° 01' 58" W78° 30' 14"
Today, graduate students defend their thesis in the dome room and many events are hosted on the steps of The Rotunda. The Rotunda is also the traditional starting point for students streaking The Lawn. Note that at UVa one refers to "The Grounds" rather than "The Campus". People at UVa use "The" a lot: "The Rotunda", "The University", "The Lawn", "The Grounds", "The Academical Village", and "The Corner" (the district near The Lawn where the bars are located). So, one would say that The Rotunda is located "on grounds" rather than "on campus".
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Last updated: 06-02-2005 00:47:20
