The Impressive Glasgow Cathedral
Scottish Attractions > Glasgow Cathedral
One of the few churches in Scotland to survive the Protestant Reformation without being destroyed, is the impressive Glasgow Cathedral.
In Scotland, round about AD550, St Mungo, the first Bishop of the British Kingdom of Strathclyde, founded a religious community around a small church, in an area that was to become known as the city of Glasgow.
The present stone building was built in the 13th century, on the site where He is believed to have been buried in AD612.
St Mungo's tomb is located in the present building and there are also fragments of an old 13th century shrine to the Saint. Today it is Scotland's most important thirteenth-century building and one of the most impressive structures. As recent as the 20th century the area surrounding it was improved with the construction of a new visitor centre.
Located about a mile to the east of George Square, the Cathedral has one of the finest post-war collections of stained-glass windows in Britain.
Anyone visiting Glasgow Cathedral will be impressed with the stunning architecture and history. Just behind the Cathedral is the city's graveyard, known as the Necropolis, and to the west side is the oldest house in Glasgow, "Provand's Lordship". The title deeds of the house dates from 1562 when Mary Queen of Scots granted the lands of Provand to William Baillie, a canon of the Cathedral.
Although referred to as a Cathedral, there is no bishop, in keeping with the presbyterian constitution of the Church of Scotland. The Cathedral has a regular and active congregation, and if you are in Glasgow, you should not leave without visiting this magnificent building. It received a huge compliment in 1451, when the Pope declared that a pilgrimage to Glasgow Cathedral would carry the same standing as a pilgrimage to Rome.
The Cathedral is perhaps not as well known as it should be, and that's a great pity. Maybe it fades into the background somewhat, in the shadows of some of Glasgow's many other great attractions, but it's worth visiting.
Opening Times
The Cathedral is open all year :
Summer 9.30-5.30, Sunday 1pm-5.30 Winter 9.30-4.30, Sunday 1pm-4.30
Admission is free.
See the Scotland Travel Information page for all the info you need for travelling to and within Scotland. Advice on passports and visas, currency, weather, holiday extras, useful travel links and much more.
More Scottish Attractions :
Edinburgh Zoo
Royal Yacht Britannia
Melrose Abbey
Edinburgh's Royal Mile
Glenmorangie Distillery Tour
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Kelvingrove Art Gallery Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, with one of Europe's great civic art collections is Scotland’s number 1 visitor attraction, and one of the best loved buildings.
Glasgow Science Centre This science and technology museum was awarded a five star rating in the visitor attraction category by the Scottish Tourist Board, Visit Scotland.
The Falkirk Wheel This exceptional feat of engineering, is unique in the sense that it is the world’s only rotating boat lift, connecting the Forth and Clyde with the Union Canal.

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