Get to know some of Scotland’s key historical figures on a walking tour of the Glasgow Necropolis, a distinctive Victorian cemetery just behind Glasgow Cathedral.
Based on the elaborate European garden cemeteries, such as the Père Lachaise in Paris, the Glasgow Necropolis is a surprisingly soothing place to visit. It was established in 1831 and remains one of the largest burial grounds in Europe.
Stretching across 15 hectares of hillside, the necropolis offers a place to stop and reflect while taking in sweeping views across the city. On a clear day, there are views right across the Valley of the Clyde.
Amongst the thousands of plots are elaborate tombs and grand mausoleums paying homage to prominent local citizens. Many of these memorial structures are works of art in themselves, designed by renowned Glaswegian sculptors such as Charles Mackintosh and James Hamilton.
Guided tours are provided by local volunteers, dedicated to preserving this little corner of local history. They give a fascinating insight into the city’s history through the stories of the people buried there and the architects and artists who were tasked with honouring their memory. The tours are free of charge but donations towards the preservation of the cemetery are very welcome indeed. To find out the days and times of the tours, check the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis website. Alternatively, the site also provides a short guide to the sixty most interesting monuments, which you can download for a small fee.
The Glasgow Necropolis is a perfect spot to take a breath of fresh air without leaving the city. It is just a few minutes from George Square and Glasgow Cathedral, so you can very easily pop in for a few minutes or combine it with a visit to one of the attractions in the vicinity. If you fancy a longer walk, why not visit it as part of the official Heritage Trail, a walk around many of Glasgow’s major landmarks which you can download free of charge from the website of the City Council.
