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.
5. 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. | Contributed
6. Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral was erected between 1136 and 1484 AD and is now Scotland’s largest place of worship and Glasgow’s oldest building. It is also the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the Protestant Reformation. | © Glasgow Life
7. Mitchell Library
The foundation stone was laid by Andrew Carnegie in 1907. A collection of over a million books and photographs is housed across a majestic building with a distinctive copper dome and a 1970s extension with wonderfully kitsch carpets. There’s a comfy cafe on the ground floor. The Mitchell holds the Glasgow City Archives and Special Collections including Robert Burns hand-written manuscripts. The theatre here hosts events during the Aye Write! literary festival. | Glasgow Life
8. Glasgow Central Station
The people of Glasgow have a great affection for 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 Glasgow with the building also containing the Central Hotel. | John Devlin