Scotland Landmarks and Historic Sites
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide to Landmarks and Historic Sites in Scotland, United Kingdom.
The centre of the city, Glasgow's George Square was initially developed in 1781, and is where the grand City Chambers are located. Since 1872 it has been designated for the use of the public to enjoy.
Glasgow's cathedral, also known as St. Mungo's Cathedral, stands on sacred grounds dating to 500 AD. The first stone church was built on the site in the 12th century, and is a well-executed example of Gothic architecture. Its steeple holds a grand bell measuring 12 feet around, damaged accidently in 1789 but repaired anew with great care by artisans in London.
Photo from Martha Edwards
The Falkirk Wheel is a large, rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal, even though one canal towers over other by the equivalent of 8 stories. The wheel allows boats access between Glasgow and Edinburgh and was awarded the 2002 Civil Engineering Award.
This arrangement of more than 50 huge stones forms a circle, bisected with axis' roughly marking north, east, south and west. The monument is nearly 5,000 years old, and is the second most important stone circle of its kind, after the notable Stonhendge.
Once located outside the city on an excess of farmland, Barlinnie Prison has now been encircled by the growing city of Glasgow. This is the last surviving 19th century prison of Glasgow's original eight. Still in operation, Barlinnie was built to hold up to 1,000 inmates, but the total population regularly surpasses that number.
This very large, very deep freshwater lake 56 sq. km (22 sq. mi.) is perhaps best known for what may be hidden in its murky waters. From witness accounts, "Nessie", otherwise known as the Loch Ness Monster, resembles a prehistoric dinosaur known as a plesiosaur. Its existence has never been proven nor disproven.
Glasgow University was founded in 1451 by Pope Nicholas V, originally as an addition to the city's cathedral. By the 17th century it warranted its own buildings due to increasing secularisation and the effects of the protestant reformation. It is the second oldest university in Scotland, and was a pivotal gathering place for scholars and thinkers during the Scottish Revolution and the Industrial Revolution.
The Glasgow Science Centre is a hands-on, interactive experience. Several exhibits confound and entertain the imagination, and live shows featuring the wonders of the earth's elements highlight the nature of the planet. The centre also has a planetarium and an IMAX theatre.
Photo from Martha Edwards
Built by William Symington, the Charlotte Dundas is legendary for being the world's first practical steamboat. This replica is moored at the site of the famous Falkirk Wheel.
