The Great City Centre of Glasgow

Set on the sides of the River Clyde, Glasgow is a great tourist centre having many distinctions in various fields like commerce, ship-building, education and culture. It played a great role during Renaissance awakening Scotland to new thinking and philosophy. When Industrial Revolution surged, Glasgow served as a busy centre connecting trans-Atlantic places for commerce. It has remained even now the finest centre of Scottish values, besides being one of the topmost financial centres of Europe.

Provand’s Lordship and St.Mungo’s Cathedral are two remnants of medieval architecture that still hold their charm in Glasgow’s tourists’ interest. But this lack of old structures is more than compensated by many Victorian structures, breath-taking for their grace, style and architecture. The University of Glasgow buildings and Kelivingrove Art Gallery and Museum structure may be cited as the best examples of that era.

There are many constructions in the city worth viewing, emanating from the inspiration of what is called Glasgow School. Charles Rennie Mackintosh is the illustrious architect and designer of this school. Though countless buildings under his direction had been constructed, Glasgow School of Art, Willow Tearooms, Scotland Street School and Queens’s Cross Church stand out as his significant contributions. Alexander Thompson has left his imprint with some of the finest and aesthetically delightful pieces, Caledonia Road UP Church, Egyptian Halls, Craigonie Castle, Helensburgh Grove, being among them. Their exterior and interior grace and elegance are remarkable. Of modern buildings special mention must be made of Clyde Auditorium and Glasgow Science Centre. They present the justification for Glasgow being called the most architecturally conscious city.

The City Centre, the Retail and theatre district, Merchant City, Financial City and West End in that order give an air of a busy commercial, business and shopping activities taking care of the requirements of diverse needs of local and provincial public. At all places splendid space within and exterior, grace exudes as an integral part of the buildings. People’s Palace and Doulton’s Fountain in Glasgow Green are also worth a visit. Glasgow Tower, Science Centre, House for an Art Lover and Queens’s Park stand out as fine architectural pieces.

Apart from University of Glasgow, three more universities, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of the West of Scotland adorn the academic side of Glasgow attracting students from far and wide.

The Lighthouse is another landmark from the top of which one can have a grand view of the city. Those who visit the place should not miss the third floor where models of many of the buildings of Mackintosh are carefully preserved.  Another interesting attraction is the provision of Loch Lomond Seaplane services which provide a 24-minute sight seeing of outstanding beauty spots!

Particular mention must be made of  Deep Sea World, Edinburgh Zoo, Palacerigg County Park and Safari and Leisure Park for their stimulating influence and recreational utility.

Food and wining is no problem in Glasgow. European, Far East and Indian restaurants abound and the type of food offered to the delight of food lovers. Apart from nourishing nutrients, these give a glimpse of man’s diversity in food habits and enjoyment of food as well.

Angus Hotel, Buchanan Hotel, Clinton Hotel, Garfield House are some of the great names in the hospitality traditions of Glasgow. There are star hotels and budget hotels for the average tourists. Also there is provision for arranging business and academic meetings through these hotels. Youth Hostels take care of the requirements of student groups.

One is left with the impression of have time well spent in Glasgow. It is an experience of a mixture of having seen the best of the past and the present!