======Christ Church, Oxford======
=====Location Information=====
  * **Type:** Real-world filming location, College of the University of Oxford (film)
  * **Location:** Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (film)
  * **Owner/Residents:** The Dean and Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral (film)
  * **Key Features:** Gothic and Renaissance architecture, The Great Hall, Bodley Staircase, Cloisters (film)
=====Description and History=====
Christ Church is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England and is a real-world location. It is not mentioned in the seven original //Harry Potter// novels. Its connection to the [[Wizarding World]] is purely through its use as an inspiration and filming location for the Warner Bros. film adaptations.
Founded in 1546, Christ Church is renowned for its historical significance and grand architecture, including its large quadrangle, Tom Quad, and its famous cathedral. Several of its interior spaces became iconic visual representations of [[Hogwarts Castle]] in the films, lending an authentic sense of history and grandeur to the magical school.
=====Role in the Story=====
Christ Church has no role in the canonical narrative of the J.K. Rowling novels.
In the film series, however, it plays a significant visual role by providing the setting for several key areas of [[Hogwarts Castle]]. Its interiors were used to establish the look and feel of the school, particularly in the earlier films. The grand staircase and the magnificent design of its dining hall directly influenced the cinematic depiction of [[Hogwarts]], making Christ Church an essential part of the films' visual identity.
=====Known Areas Within=====
The following areas of Christ Church were featured prominently in the film adaptations of the //Harry Potter// series:
  * **The Great Hall:** The dining hall at Christ Church served as the direct inspiration for the [[Great Hall]] at [[Hogwarts]]. While the film's [[Great Hall]] was a larger set built at [[Leavesden Studios]], its design, including the long house tables and the high table for the staff, is a near-identical replica of the one at Christ Church (film).
  * **Bodley Staircase:** This grand stone staircase with its intricate fan-vaulted ceiling was used for filming. It is most recognizable as the location where the new [[Hogwarts]] first-years, including [[Harry Potter]], are met by [[Professor McGonagall]] before the [[Sorting Ceremony]] in //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone// (film). It was also used for the flashback scene in //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets// where [[Harry Potter]] meets a young [[Tom Riddle]] in the [[Hogwarts]] of the past (film).
  * **The Cloisters:** The college's cloisters were used for various hallway scenes in //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//. One notable scene features [[Harry Potter]] looking at a [[Quidditch]] trophy display case and discovering that his father, [[James Potter]], was also a [[Seeker]] (film).
=====Behind the Scenes=====
Christ Church is one of several real-world locations in the United Kingdom used for the filming of the //Harry Potter// movies. Its architecture provided an ideal stand-in for the ancient and magical setting of [[Hogwarts Castle]].
The decision to model the [[Great Hall]] set after Christ Church's dining hall was a key element in grounding the fantasy world of [[Hogwarts]] in a believable, historic reality. Although filming in the actual hall was not practical for the entire series, its design became the definitive look for the most important communal space at the school.
Due to its use in the films, Christ Church has become a popular tourist destination for //Harry Potter// fans visiting Oxford.