Glasgow Cathedral (Scottish Gaelic: Cathair-eaglais Ghlaschu) is a parish church of the Church of Scotland in Glasgow, Scotland. It is the oldest cathedral in mainland Scotland and the oldest building in Glasgow. The cathedral was the seat of the Archbishop of Glasgow, and the mother church of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the Province of Glasgow, until the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century. Glasgow Cathedral and St Magnus Cathedral in Orkney are the only medieval cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the Reformation virtually intact. The medieval Bishop's Castle stood to the west of the cathedral until the 18th century.
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow, whose tomb lies at the centre of the building's Lower Church. The first stone cathedral was dedicated in 1136, in the presence of David I. Fragments of this building have been found beneath the structure of the present cathedral, which was dedicated in 1197, although much of the present cathedral dates from a major rebuilding in the 13th century. Following its foundation in 1451, the University of Glasgow held its first classes within the cathedral's chapter house. After the Reformation, Glasgow Cathedral was internally partitioned to serve three separate congregations (Inner High, Outer High and Barony). The early 19th century saw a growing appreciation of the cathedral's medieval architecture, and by 1835 both the Outer High and Barony congregations had moved elsewhere in the city, allowing the restoration of the cathedral to something approaching its former glory.
Glasgow Cathedral has been Crown property since 1587. The entire cathedral building passed into the care of the state in 1857, and today it is the responsibility of Historic Environment Scotland. The congregation is today part of the Church of Scotland's...
Read moreMy goodness. This cathedral is so beautiful. But that definitely wasn’t the best part by far, which I will state in a moment.
Me and my mother traveled up to Scotland for the day for unfortunate circumstances, but had time to fill so decided to visit the cathedral after going in the museum across the street.
Upon entry, me and mum looked around, fascinated by all the beautiful glass windows, the different things dotted around and for me, the beautiful work on the roof.
Though, we wouldn’t have notice the main details, or known what we were seeing if not for our tour guide, Alistair. (I do hope I’ve spelt that right.)
My mother came and found me, almost bounding on her heels telling me of the tours they are offering. I had seen these advertised online, but we were planning to do one in April when we came to Glasgow again.
But I’m so glad we did it now! What an experience. Alistair was one of the volunteers who showed us round, his lovely personality and smile made our day so special. We absolutely admired all the small details, that we definitely wouldn’t have noticed if not for him.
Side note: He actually told us of a item donated to them from the navy, which has history of a captain who believed the ladybug he let be gave him luck (I apologise if that’s not the word by word description but it’ll be close!) well, on our way home, we go to put our bags in the boot of our car.. and what do we see in the boot? A beautiful ladybug!
But back to the review, Alistair was amazing, and we will definitely be coming back to visit them again, and most likely, have another tour just to experience this again.
It’s magnificent, and worth every second you spend in there. The volunteers deserve every praise and donations they get, so don’t forget to thank them! They are who...
Read moreGlasgow Cathedral is an absolute must-visit attraction in Scotland! This stunning medieval cathedral has been standing for over 800 years, and its rich history and architecture are truly awe-inspiring. From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the soaring vaulted ceilings, stunning stained-glass windows, and intricate stone carvings.
The cathedral's history is deeply rooted in the city's heritage, and it's fascinating to learn about its connections to Saint Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow. The cathedral has survived wars, fires, and other challenges, and its resilience and beauty are a testament to the skill and dedication of its builders.
As I explored the cathedral, I was impressed by the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of reverence that pervades the space. The cathedral is still an active place of worship, and it's clear that it holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Glasgow.
Some of the highlights of my visit included seeing the stunning nave, the ornate tombs and memorials, and the beautiful chapel of Saint Mungo. I also enjoyed learning about the cathedral's connections to the Knights Templar and the Order of the Thistle.
Overall, my visit to Glasgow Cathedral was an unforgettable experience that left me with a deep appreciation for the history, culture, and beauty of Scotland. If you're visiting Glasgow, make sure to add this incredible cathedral to your itinerary - you won't be...
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