Glasgow Information

Glasgow is a modern, cosmopolitan city, with a great nightlife, superb shopping, a wealth of art and cultural attractions, and some historical sites.
It is Scotland's second largest city, lies on the banks of the River Clyde, and is the gateway to Scotland's beautiful West Coast, the Scottish Highlands and the Trossachs. It originated in 543AD, when St Mungo built a church here as settlers came to join the Christian missionary.

In the 12th century a cathedral was built on the site of the saint's burial place, and in 1451 it became the home of Scotland's Second University. Prosperity flourished in the 17th century through trading sugar, cotton and tobacco with North America, thanks to the new Port. The Industrial Revolution was a time of shipbuilding and heavy industry, and by the 19th century most British steam ships were being built on Clydeside. Today heavy industry has much declined, and Glasgow is best known as a European City of Culture. It's name derives from the Gaelic meaning ‘The Dear Green Place', and there are lots of parks and gardens to visit, including the Botanic Gardens.

There are over 20 galleries and museums, including the Museum of Religion, the wonderful McLellan Galleries and the famous Burrell Collection (over 8,000 pieces of great art and memorabilia from the Neolithic period to the early 20th century, and beautiful grounds to wander in). Pollock House is a lovely country house with many fine antiques and some works by William Blake, plus a great collection of Spanish art including works by Goya, Murillo and El Greco.
There are some world-famous collections and pieces, including Rembrandt's A Man in Armour. The Gallery of Modern Art is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside London.

Glasgow has a range of architectural styles. It was the birthplace of the world-famous Art Nouveau rchitect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928), and his work is displayed at The Lighthouse (including Mackintosh Tower), House for an Art Lover and Glasgow School of Art. Have tea at the Willow Tea Rooms, which were also created by him. There is some Victorian architecture, and Glasgow Cathedral is a good example of Gothic building, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. Glasgow Necropolis, next to the Cathedral, is designed after Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris, and contains many beautifully-designed tombs.

The City Chambers is a great example of 19th century architecture, and has a magnificent staircase and banqueting hall. The museum of the People's Palace tells the story of the people of Glasgow from 1750 to today. The Provand's Lordship is the only house in Glasgow to survive from medieval times. The Tall Ship at the harbour is also a major attraction.
Glasgow Science Centre is an interesting attraction, with live science shows. Other cultural delights include the Scottish Ballet and Opera, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the BBC Symphony and National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, and many theatres, cinemas and festivals.

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