Glasgow

Trip preparation

Glasgow has a population of over 580'000 inhabitants and is the largest city in Scotland and the third largest city in the United Kingdom. Glasgow is located in the southwest of the country on the banks of the River Clyde. Glasgow has a 12th century cathedral, four universities, a College of Fine Arts (Glasgow School of Art) and a conservatory (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama). Glasgow is considered to be the opposite pole of Edinburgh.

Best travel time

The best time to go to Scotland and its cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh is between June and August. Because of the proximity to the North Sea and the Atlantic, temperatures in winter are often below zero. In the Highlands of Scotland it's colder and there is more rain.

History

In the 12th century the site of Glasgow became a city. It was then when they began to build the St. Mungo's Cathedral. In 1451 they built the University of Glasgow. In the sixteenth century Glasgow became an important religious and academic center. Due to its location on the banks of the River Clyde and in the midst of the British Empire, Glasgow became an important commercial center. Because of the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean was easy to import American tobacco, which was sold throughout Europe. Lanarkshire had coal and iron in abundance, so Glasgow also became an industrial city. Workers in Scotland, Ireland and the rest of Europe went to Glasgow. The city consequently experienced a boom. The industrial revolution turned Glasgow into one of the richest cities of that time. Wealthy merchants financed the construction of buildings, parks, museums and libraries, and Glasgow became an important cultural center. Boats were built in Glasgow. However, after the First World War the situation worsened because of the Great Depression. Consequently, many businesses and factories closed, causing massive unemployment. Ever since 1990, Glasgow has recovered. The city's authorities have invested in the renovation and restoration of many buildings. In 1990 Glasgow was declared the European Capital of Culture, in 1999 it became the UK City of Architecture and Design, and in 2003 Glasgow won the award of European Capital of Sport.

By bus

The city has two central train stations: Glasgow Central and Queens Street. The Glasgow Underground is the third oldest in the world, which was launched on December 14, 1896. You can also get around with the bus very well. If you travel in groups, take a taxi it may be the cheapest way to get around. You will have to raise your hand at the so-called 'cab stops". However, the best way to explore the center of the city is by walking.

By plane

Glasgow has two airports: Glasgow International Airport and Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Glasgow can also be reached through Edinburgh airport, which is about 60 miles east of Glasgow. From Edinburgh Airport you need to travel through Edinburgh to get to Glasgow. Nonetheless, there are also direct buses from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow, however, they don't frequent very often.

Sights

Glasgow impresses by its architecture. A mixture of historic and modern buildings feature the image of downtown. Glasgow has a 12th century cathedral, four universities, a College of Fine Arts (Glasgow School of Art) and a conservatory (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama). Glasgow is considered to be the opposite pole of Edinburgh. Glasgow's Cathedral is called St. Mungo Cathedral and is the largest church and the oldest in Glasgow. The cathedral is located northeast of downtown, along with the Museum of Religious Life & Art and the Necropolis. The Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery. More than 50 thousand dead lying there. St. Andrew's Cathedral is a Catholic church in Glasgow, which is located on Clyde Street north of the Clyde River banks. This cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Glasgow. The City Chambers are situated at the main square, George Square, opposite the town hall, it is the headquarters of Glasgow City Council since 1996. Another tourist attraction is the Templeton's Carpet Factory, a magnificent building that looks like the Ducal Palace in Venice. Glasgow was an industrial city and an important cultural center. It built numerous galleries and outstanding buildings as the 'Glasgow School of Art' or 'Willow Tearooms', designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. In addition, Glasgow has many attractive museums, to which do not have to pay admission. The Gallery of Modern Art exhibits works of modern art. The Museum of Religious Life & Art exposes religious works. The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is located on the campus of the University of Glasgow and presents a comprehensive collection of works from the last two centuries and artists in Scotland. The largest park in Glasgow is Glasgow Green, located southeast of downtown. In this park you can admire many monuments, bridges and a museum. North of the park is the Templetons Factory. The Glasgow Botanical Garden is very interesting both for residents and tourists.

Events

The 'West End Festival' is the annual festival in the West End of Glasgow. It is the biggest festival in Glasgow, held for 16 days during June. During the festival there is, among other things, live music, outdoor plays, organized guided tours and many activities for children.