Don't Miss The 6 Must-Visit Churches in Glasgow

The history of Glasgow’s churches bears witness to the city’s deep religious roots and evolution over the centuries. The origins of these churches can be traced back to the spread of Christianity in Scotland, and Glasgow Cathedral, in particular, built in the 12th century, has become a landmark of the city. Today, Glasgow has a variety of churches representing different denominations and architectural styles, attracting tourists from all over the world to visit. This article introduces 6 of the most worthwhile churches in Glasgow.

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral was built in 1136 in honour of St.Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow, and is, therefore, also known as St Mungo’s Cathedral. The cathedral was completed over a period of 300 years, during which it survived the ravages of the religious revolutions. The building is composed of a lower and a higher church, with St. Mungo’s crypt located underneath the lower church. Visitors can visit the site and see the spot where St. Mungo founded Glasgow in the 6th century AD. In the late 15th century, a stone altarpiece was added to the centre of the cathedral, flanked by seven pairs of stone statues representing the “seven deadly sins”. Over the long history of the cathedral, many bishops took part in its construction, and Bishop William de Bondington (1233-58) finally completed the project.

Address & Contact

Castle St, Glasgow G4 0QZ

Ticket: Free or Donation

St Andrew's Cathedral

St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow, known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew, is located on the Clyde River. It was completed in 1816 and is the oldest surviving Catholic cathedral in the city. This Glasgow Church was designed by the famous Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham, and features pointed arches, intricate window frames and soaring spires. The exterior of the cathedral is decorated with beautiful sandstone carvings depicting scenes from the Bible. Now, the cathedral is open to visitors every day, with masses held at 1 p.m. and 10 a.m. and a choir singing at the 12 p.m. Sunday mass. In addition, the cathedral hosts various events, concerts and art exhibitions, adding cultural richness to its impressive heritage.

Address & Contact

196 Clyde St, Glasgow G1 4JY

Ticket: Free or Donation

St Mary's Cathedral

St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow, known as St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Cathedral, is located in the city centre, also close to many other tourist attractions in Glasgow. This magnificent cathedral, which holds an essential place in the city’s religious structure, was designed by the famous architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in the late 19th century. Its exterior is decorated with intricate stone carvings, ornate spires, and a majestic central tower. The interior boasts soaring vaulted ceilings, elegant stained-glass windows, and elaborate woodwork. In addition to worship, it also provides a space to support the community’s culture. It now hosts a series of concerts, lectures, and exhibitions, and its famous choir is known for its musical performances.

Address & Contact

300 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G4 9JB

Ticket: Free or Donation

St Aloysius' Church

St Aloysius’ Church(St Aloysius’ Church, Garnethill) was designed by the famous architect Charles Maynard in 1908 and is one of the oldest churches in Britain. The church features exquisite carvings and magnificent rose windows, bathing the interior in a kaleidoscope of light. The interior is decorated with a magnificent altar made by the famous artist Daniel Cordier and murals painted by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. St. Aloysius is also one of three Roman Catholic churches in the centre of Glasgow and the only Jesuit church among them.

Address & Contact

Saint Aloysius, 25 Rose St, Glasgow G3 6RE

Ticket: Free or Donation

Govan Old Parish Church

The origins of Govan Old Parish Church date back to the 6th century when it is believed that there was a wooden structure dedicated to St. Constantine on the site. Over the centuries, the church has undergone various renovations and reconstructions. The current structure was built in the 19th century and shows an amazing blend of Romanesque and Gothic Revival architectural elements. The exterior of the church is characterized by intricate stone-carved crosses and tombstones, while the interior houses a collection of ancient carved stones known as Govan Stones, considered to be the best examples of early medieval sculpture in Scotland. The church has now become a centre for cultural events and celebrations, hosting concerts, art exhibitions and community gatherings, breathing new life into the ancient walls.

Address & Contact

866 Govan Rd, Govan, Glasgow G51 3UU

Ticket: Free or Donation

University of Glasgow Chapel

The University of Glasgow Chapel is a building of significant historical and cultural significance located on the Gilmorehill Campus. The Chapel was built in memory of the 1,160 University of Glasgow students who died in the First and Second World Wars, their names inscribed on each plaque. The current Chapel building was built in the 20th century and designed by Sir John James Burnett. It shows a beautiful blend of Gothic Revival and Art Deco styles, with intricate stonework and stained glass windows. The chapel is currently used for guidance, counselling, and personal reflection by students and staff.

Address & Contact

University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ

Ticket: Free or Donation

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FAQ

Is Glasgow Cathedral free?

Indeed, Glasgow Cathedral is a beacon of history and culture, proudly open to all, with no entrance fee.

Why is Glasgow Cathedral famous?

Known for its breathtaking Gothic architecture, Glasgow Cathedral is a place of history and spirituality that attracts visitors from all over the world. The cathedral is not only famous for its breathtaking stained glass windows or intricate stone carvings, but it is also a beacon of endurance, having survived the Reformation almost intact, a rarity in Scottish history.

How many cathedrals does Glasgow have?

Glasgow has three cathedrals: Glasgow Cathedral, St Andrew’s Cathedral and St Mary’s Cathedral. Glasgow Cathedral, dedicated to St Mungo’s, is a witness to medieval Scottish architecture. St Andrew’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the city centre, while St Mary’s Cathedral is an Episcopal cathedral in the west of Glasgow.