Historical Tours

Historical tours are about an hour long, navigate through the University’s Academical Village and gardens, and cover University history from the founding to the present day. In addition to information about UVA’s architecture and founding ideals, you can expect to hear about the ways UVA has changed since its founding, and the enslaved laborers, activists, students, and community members instrumental in those changes. Each guide writes their own tour after a semester-long class and training period — feel free to ask them questions and leave feedback for your tour here!

Emily Sumlin (CLAS '20) tells visitors about the Academical Village on a tour. (Photo courtesy of Caitlin Krienheder | Cavalier Daily)

Planning your Tour:

1. Decide when to take a historical tour. Regular historical tours are offered at 11:00 AM every day during the academic year (except home football game days and when classes are not in session). On Saturdays, an additional regular historical tour leaves at 3pm. On Sundays, History of African Americans at UVA tours are offered at 3pm. All tours leave from the Lower East Oval Room of the Rotunda.

NOTE: Historical tours occur regularly throughout the school year and do not require a special request unless the group is large and cannot be accommodated through regularly scheduled tours.

2. Find directions and parking. We recommend Central Grounds Garage (fees will apply) at 400 Emmet Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22903 for single family cars. For larger groups in buses, see the instructions here.

3. Show up early to explore the beautiful spaces of Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda and the interactive elements in the Lower East Oval Room.

4. Enjoy your tour and ask questions! Our Guides undergo a comprehensive training semester to be able to speak eloquently about many parts of our University's history.