Visit Glasgow Cathedral to see one of Scotland’s most revered Gothic buildings and impressive stained-glass windows. See remnants of Scotland’s medieval history and learn tales about long-lost heroes.
Glasgow Cathedral is the pride of the city. The current structure was built from the 12th century onwards and is the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland that survived the Protestant Reformation in 1560. Legend has it that St. Kentigern, or Mungo, was buried at the site in the early seventh century. He was the first bishop of Strathclyde, an ancient British kingdom, and is the patron saint of Glasgow.
Check out the crypt, which is said to contain the tomb of St. Kentigern. Here, you’ll also find a sculpture of Bishop Wishart who supported the legendary William Wallace and Robert Bruce. These heroic Guardians of Scotland lead the 30-year war of independence against the English.
Church enthusiasts will enjoy a free guided tour through the arcades and vaulted aisles. Volunteers educate visitors about the building and its history. They will point out The Millennium Window, the cathedral’s most recent stained-glass window. Unveiled in 1999 to reflect the past thousand years, the window’s scene represents growth and includes extracts from the Bible.
If you explore the cathedral on your own, don’t miss small details such as the carved bosses. Find these wooden ceiling decorations in the Blackadder Aisle, named after a 15th-century archbishop. Visit on Sunday late afternoon for the public choral evensong.
Stroll through the Glasgow Necropolis behind the cathedral to see tombs of notable Glaswegians in this Victorian-era cemetery.
Glasgow Cathedral is open daily and entry is free. A religious service takes place on Sunday mornings. The building is within walking distance of central George Square and can also be reached by bus, train and car. There is metered on-street parking nearby. Note that the guided tours are less frequent in winter, but you can always pick up a guide book or pamphlets at the entrance to study the architecture and historic value in more detail.
Glasgow Cathedral Tours
Reviews of Glasgow Cathedral
5/5 - Excellent
This was so beautiful and awe-inspiring.
5/5 - Excellent
Stunning and humbling to set foot into such a ancient place of worship. Try to find time to visit their Catherdral Centre which contains their Museum of Religion along with restrooms, gift shop and cafe. Definitely visit the Necropolis, a captivating outdoor cemetery.
2/5 - Disappointing
We arrived on a Sunday and travelled by cab as we really wanted to attend the Sunday choral. It was posted to end by 6:30. We arrived at 5:15 and it was closing. The staff and other members of the church saw us looking or trying to look in and could also tell we are tourists but no one offered help and seeing us peering in just closed the door rudely and said we are closed. The service ended an hour early I guess.
5/5 - Excellent
Amazing piece of architecture and history. Well worth the walk up the hill. First cathedral in Europe that I visited where there was no fee, only donations and you could shoot pictures inside as well. Gave extra donations because of this. Well done!
5/5 - Excellent
10-15 minutes walk from the hotel, nice and convenient.
5/5 - Excellent
Including the Necropolis
Popular places to visit
St Mungo's Museum of Religious Life and Art
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by St Mungo's Museum of Religious Life and Art in Glasgow. Discover the area's acclaimed art scene, or seek out its local tours.
Glasgow Necropolis
This impressive Victorian cemetery, behind the Glasgow Cathedral, is home to remarkable tombs and tens of thousands of graves, including those of notable Scots.
Merchant City
During your trip to Glasgow, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Merchant City. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
City Chambers
City Chambers is just one of the places to see in Glasgow, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.
Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
You can make plans for a show at Britannia Panopticon Music Hall during your trip to Glasgow. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene, or seek out its local tours.
George Square
The people of Glasgow love their spacious central gathering place, which is full of statues and surrounded by stately buildings and restaurants.
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