Glasgow City’s Hidden Architectural Secrets And Mysteries

Glasgow City Chamber Staircase
Glasgow City Chamber Staircase | © Michael D Beckwith/Flickr

Freelance Journalist

The city of Glasgow has some striking mysteries and architectural secrets that an everyday traveller may not even be aware of. Glasgow has a rich history, and the town has no shortage of hauntingly beautiful buildings and stories left untold. Check out our best picks of the city’s hidden architectural secrets and mysteries.

The Viking Stones

In the Govan Old Church, you’ll find five huge stone blocks known as the Hogback Stones. These Viking stones mark the tombs of important Viking houses and date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. It is believed that the stones were laid in the church graveyard for the last 1,000 years and are known to be one of the best collections of early medieval sculptures in the UK.

Govan Old Church, 866 Govan Rd, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 141 440 2466

Courtesy of Govan Old Parish Church

This hidden architectural gem is situated behind the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The railway station opened in 1896 and reflects the city’s rich heritage. Built during the Victorian period, the main buildings were on the ground level and beneath the gardens, which leaves room for mysterious stories.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens, 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, + 44 (0) 141 276 1614

Botanic Gardens

Mysterious Hebrew Inscription at Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is a beautiful marvel of architectural grandeur and is home to a wealth of history, but the mystery of the Hebrew inscription on one of the engraved stone pillars has yet to be resolved. No one has been able to translate it, due to the way it was inscribed. Visit the cathedral to see if you can unlock the mystery.

Glasgow Cathedral, Cathedral Precinct, Castle Street, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 141 552 8198

Glasgow Cathedral

Mackintosh Queen’s Cross

Mackintosh Queen’s Cross is the only church that renowned Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh ever designed. It was commissioned in 1896 and features beautiful floral motifs throughout.

The Mackintosh Church, Queen’s Cross, 870 Garscube Rd, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 141 946 6600

Queen’s Cross Church Glasgow

Glasgow Necropolis

Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian garden cemetery filled with magnificent and mysterious stories, architecture and sculptures. Built in the classical revival architectural fashion, the 37-acre cemetery is a must-visit for those looking to discover something different. Guided tours are available to delve into the various stories that this place has to tell.

Glasgow Necropolis, 28-32 Cathedral Square, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 141 287 3961

Glasgow Necropolis

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