Glasgow is home to some of the most stunning architecture you can find in Scotland - ranging from the sixth century all the way to Victorian-era, today we wanted to look at some of the most beautiful buildings in Glasgow, exploring their history and design.
Just as you can tell the history of a tree by counting it’s rings, you can count the history and culture of a city through it’s longest standing and proudest buildings - and Glasgow is in no short supply of stupendous and awe-inspiring structures. Designed by legendary architects like Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson both having made their mark on the landscape of the city.
From the ancient religious Glasgow Cathedral to the one-of-a-kind Venetian-Victorian inspired Templeton on the Green - these 12 structures should give an insight into the city of Glasgow when they were built.
Whether the city was in the midst of the merchant boom from Atlantic trade, or under a thick cloud of smog as workers toiled away upon the Clyde - architecture has always been appreciated by the people of Glasgow.
The people of Glasgow have a great affiliation with Glasgow’s Central Station. The original station was opened in 1879 and had eight platforms with it then being rebuilt between 1901-1905. The spectacular glass roof has over 48,000 panes of glass. Photo: Simon Callaghan
6. Glasgow Cathedral at night
Glasgow was built around the Cathedral - making it one of, if not the first building to ever be built in what would become Glasgow. The cities Cathedral is described as ‘one of the finest buildings of the 1200s to survive in mainland Scotland.’ The building and extension of the cathedral took place over decades, with different renovations occuring in different centuries. Building fabric from Bishop Jocelin’s time (1174–99) is still standing. He is recorded as ‘gloriously enlarging’ his cathedral in 1181. Fragments from the previous cathedral have also been found.
7. The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and completed in 1895. If you make it to the top of the building, you’ll be met with stunning views of Glasgow.
8. Glasgow City Chambers (1888)
Completed in 1888 and overlooking George Square, Glasgow City Chambers is one of the city’s most prestigious and historic buildings in the city centre. It serves as the administrative centre of Glasgow, moving west from the Tolbooth at the High Street / Saltmarket cross along with the wealth of the Merchant City. It's a building very evidently Victorian, opened by Queen Victoria herself. The rear of the building is actually an extension from 1912, connected by pairs of archways across John Street. The building was designed to be imposing - an expression of power and wealth built on the industry of Glasgow during its time as the second city of the empire. Photo: Jim Nix
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