Photo source: Steve Shook from Moscow, Idaho, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Glasgow Cathedral is a Category A listed church in Scotland, cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Read about its history and architecture, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral stands on Castle Street and is the oldest building in the city.
In 1136, the first stone cathedral on this site was dedicated in the presence of King David I.
The present building was consecrated in 1197, with much of the structure dating from a major 13th-century rebuilding.
Built in the Gothic style, it is one of only two medieval cathedrals in Scotland to survive the Reformation largely intact, the other being St Magnus Cathedral in Orkney.
Historic Environment Scotland manages the building, which remains an active Church of Scotland parish church.
History of Glasgow Cathedral
The first stone cathedral on this site was dedicated in 1136 in the presence of King David I. The present building was dedicated in 1197, with much of what stands today resulting from a major 13th-century rebuilding campaign. In 1451, following the founding of the University of Glasgow, its first classes were held in the cathedral's chapter house. After the Reformation, the building was divided internally to serve three separate Church of Scotland congregations, known as the Inner High, Outer High and Barony.
Architecture of Glasgow Cathedral
The cathedral is built in the Gothic style. The Lower Church forms a 13th-century crypt raised around the tomb of St Mungo and supported on a forest of stone columns. A carved stone pulpitum screen, installed in the early 1400s, divides the choir from the nave.
Worth knowing
The tomb of St Mungo, the city's founder and patron saint, drew pilgrims from across medieval Scotland and remains at the heart of the Lower Church. The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, held its earliest classes in the cathedral's chapter house before it had buildings of its own.
Plan your visit to Glasgow Cathedral
Places to visit near Glasgow Cathedral
Tenement House
View Tenement House on heritage mapHolmwood House
View Holmwood House on heritage mapPollok House
View Pollok House on heritage mapCrookston Castle
View Crookston Castle on heritage mapAntonine Wall: Bearsden Bath House
View Antonine Wall: Bearsden Bath House on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Glasgow Cathedral there are 3 historic properties, including 3 historic buildings.
Within 10 miles of Glasgow Cathedral there are 9 historic properties, including 5 archaeological sites and 4 historic buildings, across Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of Glasgow Cathedral there are 22 historic properties, including 8 archaeological sites, 7 castles and 4 historic buildings, across Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Facts
One of only two medieval Scottish cathedrals to come through the Reformation almost untouched.
- Type
- church
- Location
- Scotland
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