Saint Mary the Virgin Cathedral, Glasgow

Saint Mary the Virgin Cathedral, Glasgow

Saint Mary the Virgin Cathedral is an exquisite church located along the Great Western Road, where its imposing spire dominates the surrounding skyline.

Constructed in 1893 by George Scott, the cathedral showcases a 14th-century Gothic architectural style. The spire itself was the brainchild of John Scott, soaring to a height of 23 meters atop a 40-meter-high tower. This tower also houses a set of ten bells that chime melodiously. The cathedral's construction employs Lanark stone.

The cathedral's central nave measures 31 meters in length and 9 meters in width, with aisles on either side separated by a series of six arches forming arcades. Notably, a glazed porch was added during a renovation phase carried out between 1998 and 2002.

Distinguished by arches supported by columns made of pristine white Bath Stone, the chancel and transepts stand apart from the nave. The pulpit, crafted from Ashlar stone, rests gracefully on colonnades fashioned from polished granite. Substantial restoration efforts involved the installation of a new roof for the chancel, Crossing, and tower, as well as a comprehensive rebuild of the organ. The clerestory windows were replaced, with the stained glass work being attributed to Hardman and Company.

Saint Mary the Virgin Cathedral enjoys significant popularity, boasting a skilled, professional choir. In addition to its captivating religious services, the cathedral attracts tourists by hosting a variety of events such as concerts, music recitals, art exhibitions, and more.

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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Saint Mary the Virgin Cathedral on Map

Sight Name: Saint Mary the Virgin Cathedral
Sight Location: Glasgow, Scotland (See walking tours in Glasgow)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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