In 1999, Glasgow was awarded the title of UK City of Architecture and Design, which attests to the great variety of high-quality design within the city, with Victorian, Regency, Art Nouveau and ultra-modern styles all represented. The most famous architect and designer associated with the city – and the one who has indelibly left his mark upon it – is Charles Rennie Mackintosh, born in Glasgow in 1868. Another notable architect was Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. In addition to the architecture on the streets, Glasgow is also justifiably famous for the artistic collections housed in its museums and galleries, most of which do not charge an admission fee.
Most of the city’s sights are situated on the north bank of the River Clyde. Here, central Glasgow’s street grid extends eastward to encompass the Merchant City. Within these two districts are the main shopping precincts, theatres and much of the nightlife, as well as The Lighthouse, Glasgow School of Art and Gallery of Modern Art. Further east, Glasgow Cathedral is overshadowed by the huge Necropolis, while to the north is Mackintosh’s Queen’s Cross Church. |