Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland in the northwest of the UK. It is one of the UK's premier cultural hubs with typical Scottish charm and beautiful architecture. Glasgow is an example of competent modern urban planning. Once a large industrial center was once transformed into a popular tourist destination with the historical preservation. It is a beautiful green city with many parks, museums, shops and monuments from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Glasgow is located in the northwest of the United Kingdom in the middle of the Scottish lowlands. The Clyde River flows through the city. The climate is temperate marine characterized by cool and rainy summers as well as mild winters.
History
Glasgow was founded in the late 6th century and traveled from a small rural village to Scotland's largest seaport. According to legend the city was founded by St. Mungo who built on the banks of the river Molendinar Monastery (now the cathedral is located here). The first written references date back to the 12th century. By the end of this century the city had become an important religious center. Between 1175 and 1178 Glasgow was granted city rights and the right to trade which contributed to the growth and development of the city. In 1451 a university was founded here one of the oldest in the UK.
In the 16th century, the importance of the city weakened slightly. The reason was the Reformation. In 1611 Glasgow became a royal city. Although during the 16th and 17th centuries it still remains a province. In the second half of the 17th century Glasgow became a major center for transatlantic trade. After heavy fires wooden structures are replaced by stone houses. In the 18th century the Industrial Revolution made it one of Britain's largest industrial centers. In the 19th century it became the largest city in Scotland. Now Glasgow is one of the most successful cities in the UK.
Sights
Glasgow has a beautiful architectural heritage in the form of magnificent Victorian buildings and several monuments of the Middle Ages. Many old town buildings were built of red or light sandstone dating from the 18th to 19th centuries. Behind the cathedral is an old Victorian cemetery containing numerous ancient monuments, sculptures, tombs and mausoleums.
The Cathedral is a medieval cathedral that is the most significant historical monument in Glasgow. The cathedral was founded in the 12th century and is dedicated to St. Mungo (here he is buried). This significant ancient building is a fine example of Scottish Gothic.
The New Town Hall is a beautiful Renaissance style building built in the late 19th century on the foundation of the old historic University building.
Glasgow University is one of the oldest universities in the UK founded in the 15th century. Here you can visit a very interesting museum that covers collections of ethnography, zoology, geology and archeology including finds from the Roman period.
St. George's Square is the heart of Glasgow's historic center surrounded by beautiful Victorian homes. Its most interesting features are a magnificent town hall and 12 statues of famous inhabitants. Provand's Lordship is Glasgow's oldest building one of four surviving Medieval homes. There is now a museum displaying historic royal portraits and furniture of the 17th century.
Calvingrow is an art gallery and museum located in a beautiful historic baroque historic house. It exhibits valuable works of art as well as a collection of weapons and armor.
Riverside is a museum of transport where you can find models of ships, locomotives, trams, old cars and horse-drawn carriages. The museum is housed in a spectacular modern building one of the most striking examples of contemporary architecture.
The Pollock House is an ancient Edwardian mansion built in 1752. The building is now open to visitors and contains a collection of paintings by Spanish artists. Glasgow Green is the oldest of the city's parks located minutes from the historic center. The park was founded in 1662. Now there is a museum of modern history of the city and a greenhouse with beautiful collections of tropical plants.
The Science Center is a magnificent modern-style architectural complex located on the south bank of the Clyde River. It includes a science complex (various science and education exhibitions) an IMAX cinema and a 127-meter observation tower.
St. Mary's Cathedral is a beautiful neo-gothic cathedral located in the western part of Glasgow. It dates from the late 19th century.
Church of St. Throne George is a former parish church completed in the early 19th century.
