Sather Tower (the Campanile), named for Jane K. Sather, was built by John Galen Howard in 1914 at a cost of $250,000. Its nickname derives from its resemblance to St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice. The original twelve bronze bells housed in the belfry weigh nine tons and have a range of four octaves. Musical selections are played three times a day on weekdays and once on Sunday. Since 1930, each final exam period has been ushered in with a concert of "Hanging of Danny Deever." The chimes are then silent during the exam period. The four clocks, the largest in California, have 17-foot hands made of Sitka spruce and numerals of bronze.

South Hall, designed by David Farquharson in 1873, is the only surviving building of the original University nucleus. The brick structure is a rare and distinguished example of the Second Empire style.

The Main Library (Charles Franklin Doe Memorial Library), designed by John Galen Howard in 1917, is the most powerful architectural symbol of the early campus nucleus. Other important buildings include the Faculty Club, built in 1902 by Bernard Maybeck; Giannini Hall, built in 1930 by William C. Hays; and Wheeler Hall, a central teaching facility, designed by John Galen Howard in 1917.

The Hearst Memorial Mining Building, financed by Phoebe Apperson Hearst as a memorial to her husband George, is generally considered the most architecturally important building on campus. Designed by John Galen Howard in 1907, Hearst Mining was meant to be both monument and workshop. Especially noteworthy are the three pairs of golden oak doors set in their two-story arches, and the vaulted 80-foot-high central wall.

Sather Gate was built in 1910, and named for pioneer California banker Peder Sather. The gate has been recently restored to its original condition. It serves as a popular spot for leafletting and politicking.

Sproul Plaza and Mario Savio Steps. This space is the site for rallies, demonstrations, and lunchtime speeches.

Ludwig’s Fountain. In 1961, the Regents dedicated the fountain in Sproul Plaza to a German short-haired pointer who claimed the fountain as his own.

Founders’ Rock. Located at the corner of Hearst Avenue and Gayley Road, Founders' Rock marks the spot where trustees of the College of California stood as they dedicated the campus on April 16, 1860. A memorial tablet to commemorate the dedication of the campus was placed at Founders’ Rock on Charter Day, 1896.

The Big C, the concrete letter C on Charter Hill east of the campus, was built on March 18, 1905, by the classes of 1907 and 1908. The letter C symbolizes the University of California spirit. Traditionally, sophomores are responsible for keeping the C clean and painted.

Northgate (The Class of ’54 Gate). Located at the intersection of Hearst and Euclid avenues, The Class of ’54 Gate–also referred to as Northgate–marks the north entrance to the campus. The gate’s design, two stone pylons topped by bronze lanterns and sitting in a circular brick plaza, was selected after an international architectural competition. Beneath the gate’s inaugural plaque is a time capsule filled with memorabilia from the Class of ’54.

West Gate. Members of the Class of 1953 funded the campus’ newest gate, located on the corner of Oxford and Center Streets.

last updated on 5/8/07