The Magnificent and Mysterious History of Glasgow
Overview
Discover some of the top attractions in the ancient city of Glasgow such as the spectacular City Chambers, the stunning medieval Cathedral and even some lesser-known sites such as world’s oldest, surviving music hall, the Britannia Panopticon.
Marvel at the grandeur of the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and sculpture that can still be found on so many streets.
Follow in the footsteps of the merchants, traders and pioneers who transformed the city’s fortunes and reputation and the workers who enabled that transformation.
Hear about some memorable moments from Glasgow’s history, including a few scandals and darker secrets.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Historical Information
- Storytelling
- Local knowledge
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
Probably the most spectacular building in Glasgow, the headquarters of Glasgow City Council. There is some astonishing sculpture on this building which goes a long way to explaining how Glaswegians saw themselves in the 19th century. 10 minutes
2
Stop 2
Glasgow's monument to the citizens who fell in the First Word War. Rich in symbolism, this monument marks a turning point in Glasgow's history
3
Stop 3
The centrepiece of George Square. One of Scotland's greatest writers and a man who is many ways is responsible, for creating the modern idea of Scotland.
4
Stop 4
The first ever monument to Scotland's national poet. An early example of crowdfunding. Thousands of people paid as little as 5 pence towards the cost of this sculpture. 30.000 people turned up to the unveiling
5
Stop 5
The Merchants of Glasgow, were largely responsible for the success and prosperity of modern Glasgow. This house, in the centre of the city, gives an indication of their importance and how they saw themselves
6
Stop 6
Originally a spectacular private mansion house, this building has had many different uses before becoming a gallery
7
Stop 7
One of the most-well known statues in Glasgow. The Duke was a decorated military leader and even prime Minister. His statue is famous today, because of the traffic cone, placed on the Duke's head
8
Stop 8
One of the most popular pizza joints in Glasgow. Once upon a time they had a very special job opportunity
9
Stop 9
An 18th century, Georgian townhouse in the heart of modern Glasgow. The original family that lived here had an interesting story
10
Stop 10
The Trades House represented the traders of Glasgow, the carpenters, the tanners , the dyers and so on, and looked after members who had become too old to work.
11
Stop 11
An important street in medieval Glasgow, where the candle makers lived and worked, set apart from the old town to reduce the risk of fire. Later the site of markets and warehouses. Now an an important part of Glasgow's cultural district
12
Stop 12
Formerly a bank, a courthouse, and a county building, now one of the most high-profile clubs and wedding venues.
13
Stop 13
Along with the original Merchants House and the Trades House, the Hutchenson's Hospital once described one of the three graces of Glasgow. Together, they looked after many of the citizens of Glasgow, for many years
14
Stop 14
The Old Fruitmarket was once a bustling part of commercial Glasgow. The building still stands but has been converted to retail use. it is still possible to walk through it and imagine how it would have been years ago.
15
Stop 15
Trongate 103 is an arts centre in the heart of Glasgow, home to amongst other attractions, the Sharmanka Kinetic Gallery.
16
Stop 16
The world's oldest surviving music hall, where a young Stan Laurel, one half of the legendary comedt double act, first performed.
17
Stop 17
A recreation of a medieval market cross, where proclamations were made.
18
Stop 18
The High Street was the heart of medieval Glasgow. There are several attractions along the road, including the site of the old University, the fourth oldest in Britain, two spectacular murals, relating to Glasgow's patron saint, St Mungo and some other significant buildings.
19
Stop 19
This statue, celebrating one of Scotlan's great explorers, originally stood in George Square.
20
Stop 20
This building opened in 1824, replacing an earlier church on the site. Many of the great and good of Glasgow were buried here. In recent years it has served as a theatre, now it is a centre for language studies, owned by the University of Strathclyde
21
Stop 21
The oldest hospital in Glasgow, many medical innovations were pioneered here.
22
Stop 22
The tour finishes with a look inside the oldest building in Glasgow, which dates back to the 13th century. There has been a church in those locations since the 6th century.
23
Stop 23
Apart from the Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow, dating back to the 14th century.
24
Stop 24
Built to look a much older building, this museum celebrates many of the different religions followed in the world today
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
Let's meet on George Square. There's a coffee shop on the north side of the square called Costa Coffee. I will be waiting outside that shop, holding a green notebook.
🏁
End Point
The tour ends outside the Ramshorn Church on Ingram Street, not too far from the starting point in George Square
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Good to Know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- There is walking time between attractions, around 40-45 minutes
- The tour will last approximately 2 hours and 45minutes
- Even when we're walking between the main attractions, there's plenty to see and talk about.
Known For:
Special Instructions
Let's meet in front of the City Chambers on George Square
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