Magdalene College, College of the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England

Magdalene College is a college of the University of Cambridge in England, located on the north bank of the River Cam. The buildings spread around several courtyards, connecting brick facades from different centuries with lawns and paved walkways.

The college began in 1428 as a Benedictine hostel named Buckingham College for monks studying at Cambridge. After the dissolution of monasteries under Henry VIII, it was refounded in 1542 and received its current name in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene.

The college library preserves Samuel Pepys' personal book collection, displayed in its original 17th-century bookcases since his death. Visitors can view the rare volumes and manuscripts through glass, including medieval handwritten texts and early printed works from across Europe.

The buildings are partly open to visitors, often during set hours on weekdays outside exam periods. A walk along the river offers views of the facades from the water side, especially in the morning when foot traffic is lighter.

The college chapel features an unusual architectural detail with a spiral staircase in the tower that leads students to a small room overlooking the rooftops. On certain evenings, the hall is lit only by candles, casting the carved wooden paneling and portraits from past centuries in warm light.