Unearthed: Glasgow's top ten historical landmarks

Glasgow may not be the capital of Scotland, but it has long been the country's biggest city and for many centuries was one of the most eminent cities in Europe. Growing from a tiny settlement on the banks of the River Clyde, by the 10th century it had become a significant establishment in the eye of the Church and by the 12th century was expanding rapidly as a trade hub.

Commerce thrived because of its status as a port city, and by the 15th century Glasgow University was being established – helping it become the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment in subsequent centuries.

By the time the industrial revolution began to take place in the late 18th century, Glasgow was one of the biggest and most important cities in Europe, and to this day it remains one of the continent's top ten financial centres and the third most populated city in the UK.

As a visitor staying in city centre accommodation in Glasgow, this rich history means you will never have any problem finding something incredible to explore or a piece of the past to unearth – whether it's a unique graveyard, wonderful building or one-off statue.

To help you navigate the city's vast catalogue of historical destinations, we've put together a short guide to the top ten we think are unmissable…

Caledonia Road Church

In the heart of Glasgow's famous former slum area the Gorbals is the Caledonia Road Church, the first-ever church designed by the hugely influential Scottish architect Alexander "Greek" Thompson and built in 1856.

The Grade A-listed Presbyterian church was gutted by a fire in 1965 and now stands as a derelict monument - complete with a portico temple reminiscent of the Acropolis and an obelisk-like tower - to the area's past. 1 Caledonia Rd, Gorbals, Glasgow, G5 9DP.

Cathedral of St Kentigern

The Cathedral of St Kentigern was built in the 12th century, but its significance as a place of worship dates back much further as it stands on the site of a sixth-century church built by Glasgow's patron saint St Mungo – the man credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland.

Alongside its status as one of the oldest buildings still standing in Glasgow, it is an incredible feat of architecture and one of the most awe-inspiring cathedrals to survive the widespread destruction of the 16th century reformation. Cathedral St, Glasgow, G4 0QZ.

City Chambers

Overlooking George Square, the grand and opulent City Chambers are home to Glasgow City Council and have been for more than a century. Completed in 1888, the palatial building was inaugurated by Queen Victoria and has maintained its presence as a monument to the city's political strength and historic wealth since that time.

Daily tours of the Chambers take place at 10.30am and 2.30pm and last for around 45 minutes. They are free of charge and you don't need to book. 80 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DU.

Duke of Wellington Statue

Sitting atop his horse on Queen Street is an impressive iron statue of the Duke of Wellington, apparently standing guard over the Gallery of Modern Art behind him.

Widely considered to be the people of Glasgow's favourite statue, the Duke and his horse stand upon a tall plinth and are testament to the city's sense of humour. It does not matter how often the traffic cone hat is removed from his head, it reappears as if by clockwork and is a regular source of amusement for passers-by. Queen Street, Glasgow G1 3AH.

Grecian Chambers

Originally built in 1865 by Alexander Thompson, the Grecian Chambers are another example of the famed architect's pioneering work and clearly demonstrate his Ancient Egyptian and Greek influences.

At the turn of the 20th century, a fire destroyed the building's roof, but it was subsequently rebuilt and today the Chambers host Glasgow's Centre for Contemporary Arts, meaning there is even more reason to pay it a visit! 336-356 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3HW.

Hutchesons' Hall

Starting out life as a hospital for the elderly, Hutchesons' Hall was constructed by the architect David Hamilton at the turn of the 19th century with money bequeathed by brothers George and Thomas Hutcheson. Replacing a 17th-century hospital on the same site in the city centre, its founders are still remembered by statues that flank either side of the building's facade.

The Grade A-listed building is now owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland and visitors can explore its magnificent interior, including the vast hallway that was remodelled by John Baird in 1876. 158 Ingram Street, Glasgow, G1 1EJ.

La Pasionaria

Standing proud on Clyde Street is La Pasionaria – the Spanish socialist and Republican hero Dolores Ibarurri, who was well known for her role in the fight against General Franco's fascist dictatorship of the 1930s.

The inspirational memorial to La Pasionaria helps commemorate those socialists who left Scotland and gave their lives to the resistance during the Spanish Civil War. It is inscribed with her poignant quote: "Better to die on your feet than live forever on your knees." Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JE.

Martyrs' School

Anyone following the trail of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's buildings around Glasgow should make a visit to Martyrs' School in the Townhead area of the city. It was one of the first buildings Mackintosh designed when working for Honeyman and Keppie architects and holds many of his trademark Art Nouveau flourishes.

Construction began in 1895 and the building served as a public school beyond the Second World War, before it was annexed to St Mungo's Academy in 1973. Today, the Grade A-listed building is home to the City Council's Social Work Leaving Care Services. 52 Parson Street, Glasgow, G4 0PX.

The Necropolis

Spread over 37 acres to the east of Glasgow Cathedral is the Necropolis, a stunning Victorian cemetery that has seen 50,000 people buried there. Perhaps one of the more macabre historical places to visit in Glasgow, there are few places like the Necropolis - home to some 3,500 individual monuments standing among its rows of gravestones.

Having first opened its gates in April 1833 following the previous year's Cemeteries Act, many of its tombs were then designed by Alexander Thompson, while David Hamilton designed much of the Necropolis' architecture. Guided walking tours are conducted most weekends by the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis. Visit their website for more information and to book. 70 Cathedral Square, Glasgow, G4 0UZ.

Trades Hall of Glasgow

The Neoclassical Trades Hall in the Merchant City area of Glasgow is a prime example of architect Robert Adam's style and is one of the city's most significant historic buildings. Built between 1791 and 1794 as a meeting place for local trade unions, the Trades House still uses it for meetings. Just imagine the debates it has seen!

Today, it is often used as an event space for weddings and the like, but guided (and unguided) tours are available for free from Monday to Saturday during normal opening hours. 85 Glassford Street, Glasgow, G1 1UH.

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