| Glasgow Town Guide |
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| Glasgow Cathedral is located in the heart of the city, about a mile to the east of George Square. The history of the site dates back many hundreds of years to the 5th century when the holy man St Mungo founded a monastery here. A religious community quickly grew up around the monastery and the first church was soon built on the site. The first stone church was built here in the early 12th century, but it burnt down within a few decades and had to be re-built. Work began on the present Cathedral in the early 13th century, much of it built in the Gothic style. It is significant in that this is the only pre-Reformation Cathedral in the whole of Scotland to remain intact - the others were all destroyed in the 16th century. Inside the Cathedral contains a 15th century choir screen, a superb wooden roof and some excellent stained glass windows. And of course there is the tomb of St Mungo himself, located in the lower church and a focus of pilgrimage for many centuries. The Cathedral is open to the public, but opening hours depend on the day and the time of year so check in advance. Admission is free. |
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| Glasgow's City Chambers, located on George Square, were built in the late 19th century at the height of the city's industrial boom. Queen Victoria herself opened the building in 1888, an indication of how important Glasgow was as a city during this period - in fact it was nicknamed "the second city of the empire". The Italian Renaissance style of the City Chambers reflects this importance, for example the façade contains sculptures representing the nations of the British Empire. Inside the City Chambers are equally impressive, with vast ceilings, lashings of marble and sumptuous décor. Tours of the City Chambers take place daily from Monday to Friday between the hours of 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tours are free. |
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| The designer and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of Glasgow's most famous sons, and today you can see his influence all over the city. Mackintosh was born in 1868 and went on to study at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art where he developed his distinct style. He was inspired by the Art-Nouveau movement and his work is characterised by long vertical lines with abstract allusions to nature. Today his famous typeface is used all over the city - and as a result you may hear locals use the affectionate nickname "Mockintosh". If you want to see some of Mackintosh's work, try visiting one of the following: |
| Mackintosh House Scotland Street School Willow Tearooms Glasgow School of Art |
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