Glasgow is the city that sets the pulse of Scotland; it is both a top financial centre and a hub for over-seas commerce. Furthermore, there is one more dimension to this European city that makes it stand apart: it represents a great fascination for all tourists who are looking for the Scottish authenticity in language, dress, custom and culture as a whole.
The very name “Glasgow” speaks of the city’s Celtic past, as it is derived from Middle Gaelic, in which it meant “Green Hollow”. This was the land that welcomed St Mungo in in the early 6th century, bringing Christianity to the Low Lands. A quiet community developed around St Mungo and came to be known as “Glasgu” meaning “dear family and dear green place”.
Described by Daniel Defoe in the 18th century as a real paradise and “the cleanliest and best built city in Britain”, Glasgow mainly consisted of wooden buildings at the time; unfortunately none of them survived to the present day. But, even before Defoe’s visit, Glasgow had been Scotland’s second most important bishopric. Moreover, religion and culture grew hand in hand, as Glasgow had its first university built in 1451.
Now let’s move in the steps of the famous Defoe, and judge the city according to our modern perception. The city centre has the highest sight density, so we shall proceed from here. The amazing fact about Glasgow is that the streets follow a grid system on the banks of the River Clyde. The best option is to take a walking tour starting in George Square. This is the home of several of Glasgow’s public statues and the headquarters of the City Council.
Most tourists to Glasgow are simply taken aback by the great density of cultural settlements and entertainment places. The old centre houses no less than six operas and theatres of which the oldest and maybe most famous is the Pavilion. Opened in 1904, it hasn’t changed in layout ever since. The Pavilion has seen the appearance of then unknown Charlie Chaplin. It is one of the few independent theatres left in Britain, now housing pantomimes, comedies and concerts.
One great sight and a true symbol of Glasgow is the Lighthouse. It offers a spectacular view of the entire city from the Mackintosh Tower, situated in the north side of the complex. This tower is accessible only on stairs, there is one other platform, at the six level of the building that tourists highly enjoy particularly since it is accessible via elevator.
Our next stop is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, an absolute must of every tourist tour, as it represents Glasgow’s best museum, housing the largest collection of civic art in Europe. Since you are in the bohemian Glasgow West End, take full advantage of the many boutiques, bars, restaurants and clubs in Kelvingrove park. Another reason for which the West End is so popular with tourists is the presence of some of the wealthiest addresses in Scotland.
One thing is for sure, you can’t fully experience Glasgow unless you take the time to cherish its sights and history one by one. For those who look for past vestiges in modern day Glasgow, there is one place to go: the East End, where you will find some of the origanal sandstone tenements in the district. It also includes the Barrowland Ballroom and Celtic Park, ideal to visit on sunny warm days.