Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow

Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow (must see)

The Necropolis, situated on a hill east of Glasgow, is commonly referred to as "the city of the dead" and serves as the primary cemetery for the city of Glasgow. Its inception was inspired by the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris and was subsequently established by the Merchants' House of Glasgow in 1831. To reach this location, you can take the Bridge of Sighs, which is located near the Cathedral. A notable 19th-century memorial to John Knox dominates the picturesque hill. Approximately 50,000 individuals are believed to have been interred here, yet only 3,500 tombs have been constructed.

Many tombstones feature sculptures depicting the face, chest, or entire body of the deceased, and the largest mausoleum accommodates up to four individuals. The cemetery also contains memorials dedicated to Scots who participated in conflicts alongside foreign troops, such as the English troops in Korea. Several renowned architects and sculptors from the 17th and 18th centuries were responsible for creating the graves of prominent figures from that era. Interestingly, this cemetery stands out by providing detailed information about its deceased occupants, including their age, occupation, and cause of death.

Glasgow native actor Billy Connolly once remarked that "Glasgow's a bit like Nashville, Tennessee: it doesn't care much for the living, but it really looks after the dead."

Why You Should Visit:
This place is not only interesting and historic to explore but absolutely beautiful, from the ornate mausoleums to the beautiful panoramic views of the city.
You can go round yourself; however, the stories and facts that the tour guides give are fascinating and bring the place to life in an engaging manner.

Tip:
Try to go on a clear sunny day, bring along some water, and wear very comfortable hiking or walking shoes as some of the surfaces are uneven.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Glasgow. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Glasgow Necropolis on Map

Sight Name: Glasgow Necropolis
Sight Location: Glasgow, Scotland (See walking tours in Glasgow)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

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