Glasgow: Curry, Culture & Cobblestones
Glasgow is a city of diversity, representing the perfect combination of tradition with an innovative twist. One of the best ways to experience this fascinating city’s heritage and its beautiful surrounding scenery is through its main attractions. If you are looking to fill your free time during this year’s EAIE Conference, check out the top highlights of the city – and beyond, for instance by taking a short trip to the shores of beautiful Loch Lomond – as featured in the winter 2014 issue of EAIE Forum magazine.
1. Glasgow Cathedral & Necropolis
The highlight of Glasgow’s heritage, Glasgow Cathedral, is one of Scotland’s most magnificent medieval buildings. It is thought to have been built on the site of St Mungo’s tomb, marking the birthplace of the city of Glasgow. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it is the only medieval cathedral in Scotland to have survived the ravages of the 1560 reformation virtually intact. To the east of the Cathedral, the Necropolis is a 19th Century Victorian cemetery in Glasgow, perched on a prominent hill with soaring monuments and mausoleums piercing the city’s skyline.
2. People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
Explore the city’s social history from 1750 to the end of the 20th century through a wealth of historic artifacts, paintings, prints and photographs, film and interactive computer displays to get a wonderful insight into how Glaswegians lived in years gone by. In the adjacent Winter Gardens you can wander among the exotic palms and plants. Outside, you can admire the restored Doulton Fountain and relax in the attractive surroundings of Glasgow Green.
Just beyond the city of Glasgow lies some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. A short train ride takes you to the shores of Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most famous lochs. From the station, it is possible to take a trip around Britain’s largest freshwater loch. The boat trip gives excellent views of the Trossachs and Ben Lomond, the most southerly of Scotland’s Munro peaks.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Glaswegian architect, designer and artist, is celebrated around the world as one of the most creative figures of the early 20th century. A pioneer of Art Nouveau, he has left a legacy of his work throughout the city. The Mackintosh Trail is a passport to attractions such as The Mackintosh House, The Lighthouse, Glasgow School of Art, House for an Art Lover, The Hill House, The Mackintosh Church and Scotland Street School.
In the heart of Pollok Country Park, this award-winning building houses a unique collection of over 8000 objects in a beautiful woodland setting. The collection comprises medieval art, Islamic art and Impressionist work from Degas and Cezanne, all collected by the industrialist Sir William Burrell and gifted to the city.
6. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Since its refurbishment in 2006, Kelvingrove Art Gallery has become one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK, offering free entry to one of Europe’s great civic art collections. The magnificent Victorian building houses an internationally significant collection of 8000 objects, including Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross, Mackintosh and Glasgow Style.
The Gallery of Modern Art collects and exhibits work that highlights the interests, influences and working methods of artists from around the world, as well as those from Glasgow. It is most famous for its statue of the Duke of Wellington outside the museum which invariably sports a traffic cone.
8. Cobbled Streets of the West End
This area is home to the University of Glasgow, fine Victorian architecture and bohemian bars, restaurants and antique shops. There are quirky, individual shops on Byres Road, while cobbled Ashton Lane is an Aladdin’s Cave of pubs, bistros and a cinema. Nearby, the Botanic Garden is a great place to unwind after a busy day.
9. Riverside Museum & Tall Ship
Glasgow’s iconic Riverside Museum, a breath-taking landmark building on the banks of the River Clyde, is home to the city’s world-class transport collection. Designed by world renowned architect, Zaha Hadid, the dynamic new museum displays Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage, offering a glimpse into the city’s past, featuring trams, an interactive wall of cars and re-created period streets.
Glasgow has claimed the title of ‘Curry Capital of the UK’ four times since 2002 thanks to the large number of Indian restaurants in the city – higher per capita than anywhere else in the country. Glasgow’s Akbar’s was named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the 2014 Scottish Curry Awards, beating off eateries from across the country.
