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 Your official friends in the city |
82 Saltmarket Merchant City Glasgow G1 5LD United Kingdom |
Since the CityWatch closed circuit television system was installed in 1994, Glasgow has also had a civilian warden service. The representatives are based in the Merchant City but patrol the whole city centre in distinctive burgundy uniforms and amusingly oversized hats. If you're stuck for directions and there is no-one else around, these are your best bet. You will usually see them hanging around on Buchanan Street and George Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Grandeur on George Square |
80 George Square Glasgow G2 1DU United Kingdom +44 141 287 0399 |
A throwback to the Empire and Glasgow's prominence within it, the impressive City Chambers border the central George Square on the east side. Intrigued? The local council offer free guided tours around their grand HQ at 11.30am and 2.30pm on weekdays. This palatial and imposing building, built in the Italian Renaissance style and formally opened in 1888 by Queen Victoria, is definitely worth a visit - to admire the stunning marble interior if nothing else. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Kane |
 Photo: Oliver Day |
 Photo: Chris Leman |
 Photo: Simon Bowen |
 Photo: Simon Varwell  |
 Photo: Jim Moore |
 Photo: Duncan McNeil |
 Photo: alisdair |
 Photo: Duncan Cameron |
 Photo: glasgow's finest |
 Photo: Tobias Schiller |
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Classical concert venue |
Candleriggs Glasgow G1 1NP United Kingdom +44 141 287 5511 |
This Italian-style hall once housed the cheese, fruit and vegetable market, illustrated by the sculpted basket of fruit on the roof. It also became a venue for entertainment, with Charles Dickens reading from his own work on one occasion. Although City Hall is not open all year round, it is definitely a place worth visiting during events. It is one of the city's most impressive concert halls and hosts a number of cultural productions but it also provides space for other functions and meetings. The venue has an annexe, The Old Fruitmarket, which often caters for musical events of a less classical nature. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joaquin Vanschoren |
 Photo: Pete & Brook |
 Photo: Matthew McKinnon |
 Photo: Rachel Steele |
 Photo: Don Leman |
 Photo: Frode Nygaard |
 Photo: Qi-Guang Chew |
 Photo: Pak-e Aufa |
 Photo: Richard Hobbis |
 Photo: Forrest Dunbar |
 Photo: debthelibrarian |
 Photo: Tarbot |
 Photo: RON |
 Photo: Cassiano Ricardo |
 Photo: rob.scully |
 Photo: Douglas Burrows |
 Photo: Mark Parker |
 Photo: Shawne MacKay |
 Photo: mathewsparents |
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The Iron Duke with a plastic hat |
Queen Street Glasgow G1 3AH United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
Known as the Iron Duke, Wellington, who lived from 1769-1852, commanded the British forces against Napoleon and had his most famous victory at Waterloo in 1815. He later became the British Prime Minister, albeit briefly, from 1828-30. The statue's bas-relief on the base depicts his many battles, but few people ever stop to look at this since he's been sporting a rather dashing traffic cone hat for the last ten years, which seems to be more entertaining. Occasionally his horse gets a turn to wear the hat. Nor will they notice probably, that the statue was produced by Italian supremo Baron Carlo Marchetti in 1844. The Duke can be found just in front of the Gallery of Modern Art on Royal Exchange Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Claire Quigley |
 Photo: Stefan Lins |
 Photo: Michael James |
 Photo: www.rogerbutterfiel |
 Photo: Keith Hewitt |
 Photo: Dean Boyce |
 Photo: James Griffin |
 Photo: Grant Salvona |
 Photo: ONAT ANGI |
 Photo: hanfgeist |
 Photo: Eddie McEleney |
 Photo: Jonathan Smillie |
 Photo: Simon White |
 Photo: Stephen McCann |
 Photo: Tom W. McKinnon |
 Photo: Gaynor17 |
 Photo: Marco Ferrari |
 Photo: Katrin Glaesmann |
 Photo: Eva Ekeblad |
 Photo: David May |
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Glasgow's very own Red Square |
Follow the M8 to the city centre Glasgow, Glasgow G2 United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
A few years ago the City Council sparked off a huge controversy when they paved over this grassy, central space with bright red asphalt. Although everyone is now used to its new look, Glaswegians tend to refer to it as "Red Square". Flanked on one side by the magnificent City Chambers and on another by the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board, George Square was laid out in the 19th century and is dominated by an 80 foot column with a statue of Sir Walter Scott on top. On a sunny day, clusters of people sunbathe amidst statues of such august personages as Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Robert Burns, James Oswald, James Watt, William Gladstone and Robert Peel. The Cenotaph war memorial is also around and the square itself saw bloodshed in 1918, when crowds rioted during a protest against the 56 hour working week. As the only large open space in the city centre, it's often used as a venue for celebrations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Seungkyun Han |
 Photo: Lee |
 Photo: Duncan Lang |
 Photo: Deborah |
 Photo: Lee |
 Photo: Lisa-Stephanija |
 Photo: James McGhee |
 Photo: Kirsten MacKenzie |
 Photo: Jamie Hewitt |
 Photo: Sabrina Nurse |
 Photo: Ivonka |
 Photo: Michael B. Nichols |
 Photo: s_sankumar |
 Photo: Kunwar Vikram Notay |
 Photo: John Lobel |
 Photo: Alan Runcie |
 Photo: mjmcl55 |
 Photo: Pawel Bobecki |
 Photo: Becky Bishop |
 Photo: scott hutchison |
 Photo: Joseph McIvor, B.E.M. |
 Photo: byothermeans.co.uk |
 Photo: Helena Farmer |
 Photo: McClellan Viewpoint |
 Photo: Ross Goodman |
 Photo: Eddie Aitken |
 Photo: sandeepkrao |
 Photo: Sonia y Miriam Albert Sobrino |
 Photo: Enrique Rouget |
 Photo: orgthingy |
 Photo: LittlePetal |
 Photo: Bruno Bord |
 Photo: MJ ML |
 Photo: Jackie Foubister |
 Photo: amanda farah |
 Photo: Robin Macartney |
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Local information |
11 George Square Glasgow G2 1DY United Kingdom +44 141 566 4064 |
For further information on Glasgow's attractions, facilities and events call this tourist board. They can help you book tours, restaurants and accommodation and provide lots of useful information and leaflets on things to do in the area. A bureau de change is on the premises and they arrange Western Union money transfers. There is also an excellent selection of travel guides in different languages and souvenirs for sale. Staff are eager to be of assistance and display a genuine passion for Glasgow and its many attractions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: goodcatmum |
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Nineteenth century environs |
158 Ingram Street Glasgow G1 1TB United Kingdom +44 141 552 8591 http://www.nts.org.uk/ |
The hall was built by David Hamilton in the 1800s and the interior was developed by John Baird in 1876. Named after two brothers, George and Thomas Hutcheson, who founded a tradesmen's hospital here in the 17th century, the hall provides elegant surrounding for concerts, dinners and seminars. Note the memorial statues of the brothers on the frontage of the building. The current exhibition on Glasgow Style presents a selection of modern furniture, jewellery and accessories which were all designed in the city. There is a National Trust for Scotland gift shop and visitors' centre on the site. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Cadman |
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Spanish survivor |
Clyde Street Glasgow G1 4JE United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
This is a modern and angular statue of Dolores Ibarurri (1895-1989), a socialist hero. It commemorates those who fought in the Spanish civil war in the 1930s, including the 65 Glaswegians who died. The statue is located on the waterfront at the junction of Clyde Street and Jamaica Street. Dolores came from the Basque Country and wrote for the socialist press under the name "pasionaria" (the passion flower). She was elected to the Spanish Cortes (parliament) and in 1936 helped to establish the popular front government, which was overthrown by the fascists. She then fled to the USSR, returned to Spain after Franco died and, aged 81, was re-elected to the Cortes. The plinth displays her mantra "Better to live on your feet than die on your knees". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hugh Hyndman |
 Photo: Alberto Botton |
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The grandest of them all |
54 Carlton Place Glasgow G5 9TW United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
Designed in 1802 by Peter Nicolson, this Grade-A listed building is said to be the most ornate Georgian house in Britain. The facade is very two dimensional, with shallow detailing in the Greek style. Inside, there are details influenced by famous Edinburgh architect Robert Adam, with great Corinthian, columned staircases and domes. The ornate plasterwork is thought to be by Italian supremo Francesco Bernasconi. The whole area around Carlton Place is considered the most ambitious and least successful new town planning in the city. All the local streets had aristocratic names - Cumberland, Portland, Cavendish. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Scotland's centre for architecture |
11 Mitchell Lane Glasgow G1 3NU United Kingdom +44 141 221 6362 http://www.thelighthouse.co.uk/ |
The Lighthouse is Scotland's centre for architecture, design and the city. It was opened as part of Glasgow's year as UK City of Architecture and Design. Four galleries over four floors give space to temporary exhibitions and there's also a special review gallery dedicated to new and innovative designers. The centre has an interactive, creative play environment for young children and a permanent Mackintosh Interpretation Centre, for which there is a small entrance charge. Access to the building itself, a converted Mackintosh design, is free and there are several bars and restaurants on the premises. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher Tomsett |
 Photo: sobencha |
 Photo: andy |
 Photo: andy |
 Photo: Lisa McCartney |
 Photo: Veronica Olivotto |
 Photo: Donna Feddern |
 Photo: Jamie Lloyd-Davies |
 Photo: Nicola West |
 Photo: Erik Baurdoux |
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Roman Catholic cathedral |
90 Dunlop Street Glasgow G1 4ER United Kingdom +44 141 221 3096 |
Built in 1817 by James Gillespie Graham, this building re-introduced the Roman Catholic presence to Glasgow. In 1805 there were only 450 Catholics in the city, by the time this was built there were over 3,000. A recent clean-up has revealed its true Gothic character - there's not much ground level detail, except around the door, but there is a niche containing a statue of St Andrew. To begin with, it was merely a church but gained cathedral status after the building was renovated by Pugin and Pugin, the firm who designed the Houses of Parliament in London. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jacqueline Hunter |
 Photo: Jason Andreas |
 Photo: Trond Kjetil Bremnes |
 Photo: Cameron McKinnon |
 Photo: Spela Mezek |
 Photo: walter menzies |
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A useful source of information |
St Enoch Place Glasgow G1 4BW United Kingdom +44 141 226 4826 |
When the architect James Miller was commissioned to provide this entrance to the St Enoch Underground Station in 1896, he decided it should not compete with the scale of the large church behind it, so this mini-French chateau was created. Said to be in the Jacobean style, it has a roof turret at each corner with lots of little sculptured faces. Run by Strathclyde Passenger Transport, this is the place to come for information about local transport in the Glasgow area. Schedules are available for most city bus services, some of which have recently been relaunched as the Overground to match the simplicity and reliability of the Underground. Details of local trains are also available, as well as national coach information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mehran Haddadi |
 Photo: zoetnet |
 Photo: Gordon McKinlay |
 Photo: bowroaduk |
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Church of Scotland landmark |
163 Buchanan Street Glasgow G1 2JX United Kingdom +44 141 772 3571 http://www.thetron.org/ |
This church forms an island in Nelson Mandela Place in the heart of the city, although when it was completed in 1808, this area was the extreme edge of the west end. Designed by William Stark, with a baroque influence typical in early 19th century Glasgow, the tower is especially attractive and is capped with a ribbed dome and obelisk. The church is a Grade A listed building and has been given a special landmark rating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caitriana Nicholson |
 Photo: garlies |
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Wealth and beauty |
42 Miller Street Glasgow G1 1DT United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
Built in 1775 by John Craig, this would have been one of many similar houses lining this narrow street in the Merchant City. However, it was the first and the last too—being by far the best surviving example of a tobacco merchant's dwelling in Glasgow. This is due to sympathetic treatment, which has come in the form of its most recent tenants, the Scottish Preservation Trust and several firms of architects. It's of simple, plain design, but decorated here and there with lovely urns. Three storeys high, it has basement windows that seem to rise out of the concrete pavement by means of rot-iron arms, added when the building was refurbished. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Once housed the council |
Tolbooth Steeple Glasgow G1 5NA United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
This was the 17th century equivalent of the City Chambers. The building, finished in 1627, marked the arrival of the merchant classes to the city and housed the town clerk's office, council hall and city prison. The Debtors Prison had a stream of inmates who elected their own provost and generally ran the place themselves. Witches, thieves and murderers were amongst the "guests" and were occasionally hanged. The area became a focus for the town, so much so that the paved stone area in front of the tolbooth, "Planestanes", became a prime location for the Tobacco Lords and other rich folk to display their finery. The main part of the building was destroyed when the City Improvement Trust, charged with ridding the city of squalor, swept it away but the seven storey steeple remains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ron Almog |
 Photo: Kevin McDonnell |
 Photo: Zeno de Cock |
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An 18th century temple of commerce |
85 Glassford Street Glasgow G1 1UH United Kingdom |
The hall was designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1794. Built for Glasgow's trades' federation, it is Adam's only surviving work in the city. The interior was extensively redeveloped in the 1920s but remains very impressive and is mainly Victorian in style. The handsome function rooms can be hired for meetings and receptions and guided tours can be arranged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Cadman |
 Photo: Heidi Kuisma |