Glasgow’s Cathedral Square packs a lot into its compact boundaries; magnificent buildings, a fascinating history, 3,500 tombs and plenty of unexpected wildlife.
Cathedral Square dates back to the seventh century when St Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint, established a church here.
Since then it has become one of Glasgow’s best-loved locations, welcoming thousands of visitors every year who relish the striking architecture, award-winning museums and scenic, peaceful parkland. Combine this with Glasgow’s renowned hospitality and a family-friendly day out is guaranteed.
Just a short walk from Glasgow’s city centre on High Street, Cathedral Square is dominated by the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. This stunning building was the only cathedral on the Scottish mainland to survive
the Reformation intact.
Glasgow Cathedral is a superb example of Gothic architecture – head inside to marvel at the mighty stone buttresses, columns, arches and stained glass windows – and don’t forget to look up at the 16th-century ceiling.
But the stunning architecture doesn’t stop there. Next door, you can’t miss The Barony’s eye-catching red sandstone façade. The high arched pillars inside make it a perfect location for the weddings and formal ceremonies it hosts today.
Stories from the past
The award-winning St Mungo’s Museum tells the fascinating, turbulent story of the religions and culture that have shaped Glasgow over the centuries.
The museum merges perfectly among the surrounding, much older, architecture, even though it only opened in 1993. On the opposite side of High Street, Provand’s Lordship is the oldest house in Glasgow (built in 1471) and one of only four medieval buildings to survive in the city.
It is another of Cathedral Square’s excellent museums. Then, it was probably used to house the clergy and staff of Glasgow Cathedral, and, perhaps unexpectedly, was home to a sweet factory and shop in the early 20th century.
It now houses a collection of 17th-century furniture.
Overlooking Cathedral Square is The Necropolis, the second-largest greenspace in the centre of Glasgow. The Merchants of Glasgow developed this hilltop location in 1831 as Glasgow’s version of Paris’s Père Lachaise Cemetery. Since then over 50,000 people have been buried here in around 3,500 tombs.
This peaceful place is home to roe deer, finches, kestrels, sparrowhawks and many species of butterfly. It holds some of the finest views across Glasgow and is a great spot to retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, especially with a picnic.
Useful Information
HOW TO GET THERE
Both Glasgow Central, Queen Street and High Street railway stations lie a short walk from Cathedral Square, which sits just a little east of the city centre on High Street.
FIND OUT MORE
www.visit-glasgow.info
EAT
Babbity Bowsers
16-18 Blackfriars Street, Glasgow G1 1PE
0141 552 5055
www.babbitybowster.com
Relax with great food, drink and music in either the bar, restaurant or beer garden.
STAY
The Merchant City Inn
52 Virginia Street,
Glasgow G1 1TY
0141 552 2424
www.merchantcityinn.com
Glasgow’s historic quarter is home to this modern hotel with shopping, restaurants and pubs all within easy reach.