Located on the Clyde River, Glasgow has been transformed from an industrial city into a cultural heartland and is home to fine museums, art galleries and festivals. Its Celtic name, meaning "beautiful green place", was given to it because of the very large number of parks and open spaces. There are many of the most beautiful and oldest theaters in the city.
The most important cultural events in the city are the Celtic Music Festival and the Highland Games. Glasgow is also known for its sports teams and is home to two major Scottish football league clubs and a large number of rugby clubs.
St Mungo Cathedral
The most significant historic building in the city is the 12th century cathedral, known as St Mungo Cathedral or High Kirk. When viewed from the inside and outside, it looks as if it was not built, but cast from a giant mold: the lines are clear and there is nothing superfluous. Named after the first Bishop of Glasgow. Inside the cathedral is the tomb of St. Mungo, who is the founder of the bishopric and was buried here in 603 AD.
Also nearby Mungo is the Museum of Religious Life and Art, which examines world religions, their rituals and views of their doctrines on the issues of life and death. Exhibits range from Egyptian mummies to Hindu statues of Christ, Salvador Dali, St. John the Baptist (1951). In the courtyard of the cathedral there is a Zen Buddhist garden.
George Square: The Heart of Glasgow
In the heart of historic Victorian Glasgow is George Square with 12 statues of prominent people associated with the city, including Robbie Burns, Walter Scott and Queen Victoria. The eastern end of the square is dominated by the Town Hall and its 230-foot towers, completed in 1890. The city is home to the oldest British Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1605.
Glasgow School of Art and Macintosh Academy of Art
The Macintosh Academy of Art is of value to lovers of fine architecture. This building was completed in 1909 in Art Nouveau style by 28-year-old designer Charles Mackintosh, and it has not only external impeccability, but also a superb designer interior. It hosts meetings of the Academy of Arts, and also houses a unique library and gallery. Reception is carried out only through excursions (there are many who wish, it is better to take care of booking in advance).
