Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, was founded in the 6th century by a Christian missionary named Kentiyern, known as St. Mungo. Glasgow has grown by leaps and bounds throughout the centuries and today is home to almost 700,000 citizens. A visitor to Glasgow would have his or her choice of a variety of museums and sightseeing ventures. What are some of the attractions that a person should never miss while visiting the city?
The Burrell Collection. This extraordinary art exhibit is Glasgows top travel destination. The collection was bequeathed to the city in 1944 by Sir William and Lady Constance Burrell. After many years of trying to find a suitable location to exhibit the collection, the Pollok House was donated to the city in 1967. A new center was built and opened in 1983.
Today, the 9,000 pieces of the Burrell Collection are on display for each visitor to admire. A visitor will be able to view such masterpieces as stained glass, porcelain, medieval art and ancient artwork from a variety of countries and eras.
Glasgow Cathedral. Glasgow Cathedral was originally a burial ground blessed by St. Ninian in the 5th century. In the 6th century, St. Mungo established a Christian church in the vicinity. The first known structure was a stone building constructed in 1136. However, the church was destroyed by fire in 1197. Reconstruction on the cathedral extended over the next few centuries.
Much of the construction during this period can be seen today. Built in the 13th century, the Lower Church, which houses the tomb of St. Mungo, still stands. When a new building was constructed in the 19th century, the Lower Church became a burial site for members of the congregation.
Dumbarton Castle. Located just outside of Glasgow, a traveler has the opportunity to tour Dumbarton Castle. The castle has been in constant use for over 1,500 years. Archaeological findings have shown a settlement at the location as early as 450 A.D. Over the centuries, the site has been renowned for British settlements, Viking raids and an overabundance of military skirmishes. The last attack against the castle occurred during World War II when bombs from German aircraft were deployed in 1941.
A visitor to the area will have to do a lot of walking. Dumbarton Rock, the area that the castle and other buildings are erected upon, is over 240 feet high and is surrounded by the Clyde and Leven Rivers. A person can view the two oldest structures on the grounds. The Guard House was constructed in the late 16th century. However, the Portcullis Arch, located above the Guard House, was built in the 14th century.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. Located on Argyle Street in Glasgow, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is one of the most popular travel destinations in Scotland. The museums walls are adorned with a vast collection of European art. Visitors can see archaeological findings, fossils and other Scottish artifacts.
A visitor to the museum will have to take time to see one of the worlds largest armor collections. Some pieces of armor, such as the Avant Armor from 1440, are the oldest in the world. Other pieces will grab a persons interest due to their uniqueness. A person planning a trip to Glasgow anytime soon will be disappointed if he or she wants to visit the museum. The Kelvingrove Museum is closed for remodeling until mid 2006.
St. Mungos Museum of Religious Life and Art. This museum opened in 1993 and was constructed on the site of St. Mungos castle. A visitor to the museum will be able to tour three levels of religious history and the cultures that each religion impacts. From the incredible artwork and stained glass in the Gallery of Religious Art to exploring the worlds different faiths in the Gallery of Religious Life, a person will develop a greater appreciation for varied religions. A person touring the Scottish Gallery will learn of the impact different religions have had on the culture in Scotland.
St. Mungos also lets visitors indulge in its magnificent locations. The museum has awe-inspiring views of the Glasgow Cathedral, the 19th century Necropolis graveyard and Provands Lordship, the oldest home in Glasgow. Glasgow, Scotland is a city with overwhelming travel opportunities. A person vacationing here will gain a new found appreciation for the citys history and culture.
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