As one of Scotland’s most treasured Gothic buildings, Glasgow Cathedral houses fascinating relics of medieval history and a notable collection of stained-glass windows.
Holding a special place in many Glaswegians’ hearts, construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century, and it was the only cathedral on the Scottish mainland that wasn’t destroyed during the Protestant Reformation in 1560. Legend has it that the first bishop of Strathclyde, St. Kentigern (or Mungo), was buried at the site in the early 7th century. St. Kentigern is the patron saint of Glasgow.
Head to the crypt, where alongside St. Kentigern’s tomb is a sculpture of Bishop Wishart, who is famous for his support of the legendary William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Wallace and Bruce are known as the Guardians of Scotland, and it was they who led the 30-year war for independence from the English.
If you want to learn more about the cathedral’s history, then join one of the free guided tours that are conducted by cathedral volunteers. Walking through the vaulted aisles and arcades, you will learn about the building’s long and unique history. Notice the Millennium Window, a stained-glass window, unveiled in 1999, that depicts the growth and change of the previous 1000 years.
Head to the Blackadder Aisle to see the carved bosses in the wooden ceiling. The Blackadder Aisle is named after a 15th-century archbishop.
Behind the cathedral is the Victorian-era Glasgow Necropolis, which contains the tombs of important and wealthy Glaswegians.
Glasgow Cathedral is open every day and doesn’t charge an admission fee. You can get to the cathedral by bus, train or car, and it is in within walking distance of George Square. If you bring a car, you can pay to park in one of the nearby streets. There are not so many guided tours in the winter months, but a guide book or pamphlets are available at the entrance and will help you understand more about the building’s history. You are welcome to attend the religious service every Sunday morning. Another good time to visit is on Sunday afternoon for the public choral evensong performance.
