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Recommended Reviews - The Necropolis
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The difference between a cemetery & graveyard is that the location of the latter is associated with a church. The Necropolis, Greek for "city of the dead," is situated near Glasgow Cathedral & Glasgow Royal Infirmary, two other notable sites. This hauntingly beautiful, albeit morbid, landmark on a hill provides a panoramic (perhaps best) view of the city. The hike is well worth the effort to experience these historic sacred grounds where each tombstone & mausoleum is a piece of architectural art from Victorian times.

A very cool place to visit next to Glasgow Cathedral. We found the William Wallace Monument-the person that Brave Heart Mo is was based on. A must visit for Glasgow

I love wandering around a graveyard and crossing the bridge of sighs into the graveyard is one most certainly worth visiting, it's huge so you will need a few hours to explore some of the most beautiful and intricate memorials and here you will find the man who wrote wee Willie winkie, William Wallace monument, Jewish memorials and many many more. The Necropolis is on on an incline and there's winding paths and steps and the views are fabulous, especially when looking towards the cathedral. The only thing I would mention is there aren't any toilets, neither in the cathedral or the cemetery but there is a public toilet coating 20p on the car park near the cathedral but apart from that, If your in Glasgow for the day, make sure you visit this beautiful cemetery.

Glasgow's Victorian City of the Dead is next to the Glasgow Cathedral and was worth being placed on our list of things to see. The Necropolis has become a cultural landmark and is surprisingly peaceful. It is 37 acres of land with over fifty thousand burials and about 3500 tombs. It was established by the Merchants House of Glasgow in 1831 and opened in 1833. The first burial was Joseph Levi. A well known monument was erected in 1825 to John Knox that dominates the hill and is noteworthy. At the main entrance there are three modern memorials. ( for still born babies, Glaswegian recipients of the Victoria Cross and one to the Korean War) After passing them you go over a small bridge known as the "Bridge of Sighs." The cemetery is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. You are in for a steep climb to get to the top where you will be rewarded with a magnificent view. The memorials are lovely and the cemetery is beautifully cared for.

The Necropolis is the ancient heart of Glasgow, said to have once been called Dun Chattan, the site of a Druidic moon temple overlooking the bend of the sacred Molendinar burn. Here many of Glasgow's mystical ley-lines converge, invisible energy lines linking this spot with distant places like Tinto Hill to the south-east and Dumgoyne to the north-west, both of which you can see on a clear day. To the south of the hill sits the ancient Ladywell, once used by passing Roman soldiers on their way to the Antonine Wall, and one of the last public wells in Glasgow to remain in use. The Ladywell's location was once beside the main route into Glasgow from the east, but now it sits capped and forlorn in a dead-end bit of street, overshadowed by Tennent's brewery, Consecrated as a burial place by St. Ninian in the 4th century, this hill has been a place of the dead for hundreds of years. It is here that Glasgow's patron saint, Kentigern (also called St. Mungo), arrived in the early 6th century, allegedly following the trail of a cart pulled by two oxen carrying the body of the holy man Fergus. Here he buried Fergus, and on the opposite banks of the Molendinar, Kentigern set up his chapel. It wasn't until the early 19th century that the Glasgow Merchants House developed it into a proper City of the Dead, and it is said that the journey from the Cathedral across the Bridge of Sighs and up the hill to the top is deliberately intended to be a reflection of the Freemason's journey from darkness into light. There are certainly Masonic clues a-plenty for those with eyes to look. Many of the tombs were designed by outstanding Glasgow architects like Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, David Hamilton, and even Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It's well worth doing one of the regular walking tours organised by the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis to really appreciate the grandeur of the place. But whether you're a fan of Victorian Gothic or not, the Necropolis can still offer you some great views over the city to the south, and the architecture of the mausoleums and tombs can provide some wonderful photographs when the light is right. If you're really lucky, you might see some of the deer that are known to live here.

If in Glasgow, you need to go the Necropolis, yes it's a cemetery, but really you must go. The Necropolis is a pretty cool place, lots of history in there, do not speed through, and take your time to read some of the tombs, which I did, some even have the entire family together including the maids and servants. This is history for all us to see, and its free! And oddly its quite stunning too, does not give you an eerie feeling either. You will also see great views of Glasgow too! I could easily take a few hours to see everything, so if in the area, stop by and learn about its history and walk in the past.

5 stars for a walk round a graveyard. You might wonder if I have lost my mind. The answer in general may well be yes, but this place is definitely worthy of a high rating and a bit of your time. I did a history degree at uni and I generally like "old stuff" and taking photos of it, so for me the Necropolis was a bit of a revelation. Last Sunday we went for a wander around it and I spent ages just reading all the different tombstones and trying to work out the story behind them. I took loads of pictures and was surprised/impressed by the sheer size and effort that had gone into making them. A visit to necropolis is an opportunity to take a break from the norm and think about people and events from the past. It's definitely one to do on a bright sunny day. For me it's well worth a visit whether your a tourist or a local. I definitely want to go back and do an organised to learn and learn more about the place.

A tourist destination for the slightly macabre, a visit to the Necropolis is a memorable and haunting experience, full of striking monuments and with cracking views over the city. As dusk approaches it does begin to feel quite eerie, though I'm never sure if the uneasy feeling you get is a fear of the heroin addicts from the nearby East End, or from the possibility of running into a disembodied malevolent spirit, angry that his grave is a bit less splendid than that of John Knox. A slightly sad sidestory to the Necropolis is that the sheer scale and grandeur of the place highlights how in Victorian times Glasgow was one of the wealthiest and most important cities in the world, whilst nowadays, despite some very succesful regeneration, it is still a shadow of it's former self. Still, a visit to the Necropolis is as good a time as you can possibly have whilst being surrounded by 50,000 rotting corpses, and it's a must for any visitor to the city.

If you are visiting Glasgow I would say this is the number one thing to see, including St. Mungo's Cathedral. The views of Glasgow are spectacular and its a great place to go for a walk and meander. It is quite a lovely cemetery, and I'm one of those weirdos that can spend hours reading tombstones...I can actually lead you to my favorites, if you take the tour with me! "O for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still" about someones lost love, pulls at my heart strings every time I see it. After the long trek around, up, through and over there is one of the oldest pubs down the street (The Old School House), or for beer connoisseurs I recommend Drygate.

It's hard to believe Glasgow's majestic necropolis cemetery sits just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Offering panoramic views of the city, the serene location is an absorbing place for a stroll, with the elaborate tombs of some of Glasgow most notable residents as impressive as any other Victorian architecture in the city and making it something of an outdoor museum. The most obvious is the intimidating column for John Knox, the second highest point in Glasgow, but the likes of Major Archibald Douglas Monteath and William Gavin did fairly well too with their opulent burial places. Not only is the place interesting in an architectural sense, but it also serves as a fascinating reminder of the fact Glasgow clearly had a few bob to spend on such luxuries in its day. Thankfully, after gaining a reputation as a haven for Tennent's Super-guzzling jaikies, the last few years have seen the Necropolis become a much safer place to wander around, something which is reflected by the increasing number of tourists who visit, particularly for the spectacular sunset views.

Visited April 2015: "Hidden behind a Cathedral" We originally thought this was the cemetery behind the Glasgow Cathedral until we located the entrance. There's a bridge over the motorway to the cemetery upon the hill. Different monuments, different eras, and amazing views of the city.

Superbly morbid and spectacular Glasgow attraction. If you're at all a necrophiliac (not in the literal sense, hopefully) and in fond of morbid places to visit, when in Glasgow this is the place to go. A veritable city of the dead, as the name implies, it is a huge area of gravestones, tablets, figures and mausoleums that stretches for a mile and towers over the cathedral area in Glasgow, anchored by St. Mungo's (Glasgow) Cathedral just below. Glasgow is not my favorite Scottish town, but this is my favorite place in Glasgow. Recommended!

Feels a bit strange saying "I'm a fan" of a huge cemetery, but it made for a pretty unique afternoon's stroll before we headed over to Drygate nearby. Experiencing a weekend of hot, sunny weather, it certainly provided terrific views of the city once you'd meandered up one of the paths to the top of the hill, passing 3,500 headstones and tombs of varying scale and Victorian decoration. There's no grid layout like you'll find at most cemeteries - the paths weave around the site based on its topography. Clearly, the more money your family had, the higher up the hill you were buried and the more prominent your grave's location. If it had been grey, misty and approaching dusk, this'd make for a rather unsettling location for a walk - the only unsettling thing we saw when we visited were some people sunbathing in front of the gravestones. Have some common decency. Once atop the hill, you'll get a great view of the impressive Glasgow Cathedral and its green copper roof and the hospital beyond - a stark reminder of the short journey those unfortunate souls took from bed, to church, to grave...
4 days ago
Adjacent the Glasgow Cathedral stands the Necropolis, a hilly Victorian-era cemetery loaded with elaborate headstones and mausoleums. From the William Wallace memorial at the base to panoramic city-views at the top everything is somber but well-manicured. Free to enter from dawn until sundown. read more
On the surface, cemeteries seem like odd places to put on a holiday itinerary. But some are so historic and culturally significant that they deserve attention as attractions in themselves. This one falls into that category. But there are other reasons beyond that to visit. This particular cemetery is a standout for multiple reasons. One is the fact that there are a few historically significant people who are buried here, such as William Miller, Charles Tennant and Lord Kelvin. It is, after all, the iconic cemetery of a longstanding city as it is the one that comes to the mind of local Glaswegians if you simply refer to "THE Cemetery". The second is that the layout of the cemetery presents an exploratory experience like few others. Spread out on a fairly steep hill, the grounds themselves allow a wondefully quiet, though somber, respite from the city. And last but not least, because of its elevated position, the views of the city from the Necropolis are worth a visit even if the historical significance is of no appeal to you. Wandering through the gravesites amidst the quietude is a rather enjoyable experience in a strange way. I always enjoy reading the epitaphs and admiring the architecture of elaborate gravestones in cemeteries such as this one. The relaxed feel also allows for quiet reflection. But the view of the city here is unbeatable. Be prepared for some mild exertion because there is a bit of a rise from the entry as you cross the bridge to the apex. The grounds also do cover some acreage, so it will be a nice calorie-burning venture if you hike the perimeter and interior. Even if you are not into cemeteries, I'd recommend a stop at this place, particularly if you are going to visit the Cathedral and its satellite museums anyway. The view will give you some nice memories and photos. And the quiet will give you a chance to catch your breath. If you have an historical bent, then this is a must-see. read more
Secluded and quiet and some of the best views of Glasgow during our trip. We love these old cemeteries and went to 3 of them in Edinburgh. This one in Glasgow seems like the best locally and appears on many lists of travel destinations in Glasgow. Wandering around here early in the morning I find relaxing and peaceful. Right across you have the Glasgow Cathedral which you can get to easily using a stone bridge to cross the road. Both are from the 18th century and are very representative of Victorian gothic-revival architecture. To get to the top you slowly wind your way around the small hill and get a nice sample of different designed tombstones and crypts. We loved coming down from the back way, the stairs were more interesting and at the very bottom you will find a memorial to William Wallace and a bit of history carved into stone. The masonary is impressive and I know there were some pieces by Charles Rene Makintosh but we couldn't identify any on this trip. The statues are particularly in much better condition than some of the ones in Edinburgh. read more
5 months ago
you definitely need to go here!! Super iconic and gothic. You could prob do this in like 5-10 min but we basically walked around the whole place which took us like 30min. People chill on the grassy areas and around the tombstones (RIP) but bring a book or moody playlist and you got yourself a great vibe read more
2 years ago
The difference between a cemetery & graveyard is that the location of the latter is associated with a church. The Necropolis, Greek for "city of the dead," is situated near Glasgow Cathedral & Glasgow Royal Infirmary, two other notable sites. This hauntingly beautiful, albeit morbid, landmark on a hill provides a panoramic (perhaps best) view of the city. The hike is well worth the effort to experience these historic sacred grounds where each tombstone & mausoleum is a piece of architectural art from Victorian times. read more
I love wandering around a graveyard and crossing the bridge of sighs into the graveyard is one most certainly worth visiting, it's huge so you will need a few hours to explore some of the most beautiful and intricate memorials and here you will find the man who wrote wee Willie winkie, William Wallace monument, Jewish memorials and many many more. The Necropolis is on on an incline and there's winding paths and steps and the views are fabulous, especially when looking towards the cathedral. The only thing I would mention is there aren't any toilets, neither in the cathedral or the cemetery but there is a public toilet coating 20p on the car park near the cathedral but apart from that, If your in Glasgow for the day, make sure you visit this beautiful cemetery. read more
I usually do not like graveyards or cemeteries or things to do with dead people in general, but this place is a must visit when in Glasgow! Who knew a ginormous gravesite could be such an incredible destination and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! First off, you will definitely get your steps in and decent cardio when exploring this place. It is gated, but you won't get locked in as you can cross the "Bridge of Sighs" over to the cathedral. Second, this place is not only interesting and historic to explore, but absolutely beautiful, from the ornate mausoleums to the beautiful pano views of the city. There are also several gorgeous headstones, monuments, and celtic crosses throughout the grounds. It was fun to read a lot of the epitaphs on the headstones/tombs and it honestly did not feel weird, creepy, or remotely scary or spooky at all; even when roaming around at dusk and into the evening. Passing by at night was actually kind of neat, too, as it was backlit in a very nice way. My fav find was a random tomb that said it had been erected by friends of the dead guy and had a quote that read: "You always spoke of my drinking, but never knew the source of the my thirst...". Loved it! read more
Glasgow's Victorian City of the Dead is next to the Glasgow Cathedral and was worth being placed on our list of things to see. The Necropolis has become a cultural landmark and is surprisingly peaceful. It is 37 acres of land with over fifty thousand burials and about 3500 tombs. It was established by the Merchants House of Glasgow in 1831 and opened in 1833. The first burial was Joseph Levi. A well known monument was erected in 1825 to John Knox that dominates the hill and is noteworthy. At the main entrance there are three modern memorials. ( for still born babies, Glaswegian recipients of the Victoria Cross and one to the Korean War) After passing them you go over a small bridge known as the "Bridge of Sighs." The cemetery is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. You are in for a steep climb to get to the top where you will be rewarded with a magnificent view. The memorials are lovely and the cemetery is beautifully cared for. read more
13 years ago
The Necropolis is the ancient heart of Glasgow, said to have once been called Dun Chattan, the site of a Druidic moon temple overlooking the bend of the sacred Molendinar burn. Here many of Glasgow's mystical ley-lines converge, invisible energy lines linking this spot with distant places like Tinto Hill to the south-east and Dumgoyne to the north-west, both of which you can see on a clear day. To the south of the hill sits the ancient Ladywell, once used by passing Roman soldiers on their way to the Antonine Wall, and one of the last public wells in Glasgow to remain in use. The Ladywell's location was once beside the main route into Glasgow from the east, but now it sits capped and forlorn in a dead-end bit of street, overshadowed by Tennent's brewery, Consecrated as a burial place by St. Ninian in the 4th century, this hill has been a place of the dead for hundreds of years. It is here that Glasgow's patron saint, Kentigern (also called St. Mungo), arrived in the early 6th century, allegedly following the trail of a cart pulled by two oxen carrying the body of the holy man Fergus. Here he buried Fergus, and on the opposite banks of the Molendinar, Kentigern set up his chapel. It wasn't until the early 19th century that the Glasgow Merchants House developed it into a proper City of the Dead, and it is said that the journey from the Cathedral across the Bridge of Sighs and up the hill to the top is deliberately intended to be a reflection of the Freemason's journey from darkness into light. There are certainly Masonic clues a-plenty for those with eyes to look. Many of the tombs were designed by outstanding Glasgow architects like Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, David Hamilton, and even Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It's well worth doing one of the regular walking tours organised by the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis to really appreciate the grandeur of the place. But whether you're a fan of Victorian Gothic or not, the Necropolis can still offer you some great views over the city to the south, and the architecture of the mausoleums and tombs can provide some wonderful photographs when the light is right. If you're really lucky, you might see some of the deer that are known to live here. read more
If in Glasgow, you need to go the Necropolis, yes it's a cemetery, but really you must go. The Necropolis is a pretty cool place, lots of history in there, do not speed through, and take your time to read some of the tombs, which I did, some even have the entire family together including the maids and servants. This is history for all us to see, and its free! And oddly its quite stunning too, does not give you an eerie feeling either. You will also see great views of Glasgow too! I could easily take a few hours to see everything, so if in the area, stop by and learn about its history and walk in the past. read more
11 years ago
I enjoy hiking up here when I'm in Glasgow. I find ancient sites fascinating, and the Necropolis is no exception. Great place to take great pictures and it offers one of the best views of the city. The Necropolis is totally worth the trip if you're already at the Cathedral. It's a great place to immerse yourself from the past. The site is filled with beautiful tombs, monuments and flowers, not to mention that it's free! read more
5 stars for a walk round a graveyard. You might wonder if I have lost my mind. The answer in general may well be yes, but this place is definitely worthy of a high rating and a bit of your time. I did a history degree at uni and I generally like "old stuff" and taking photos of it, so for me the Necropolis was a bit of a revelation. Last Sunday we went for a wander around it and I spent ages just reading all the different tombstones and trying to work out the story behind them. I took loads of pictures and was surprised/impressed by the sheer size and effort that had gone into making them. A visit to necropolis is an opportunity to take a break from the norm and think about people and events from the past. It's definitely one to do on a bright sunny day. For me it's well worth a visit whether your a tourist or a local. I definitely want to go back and do an organised to learn and learn more about the place. read more
17 years ago
A tourist destination for the slightly macabre, a visit to the Necropolis is a memorable and haunting experience, full of striking monuments and with cracking views over the city. As dusk approaches it does begin to feel quite eerie, though I'm never sure if the uneasy feeling you get is a fear of the heroin addicts from the nearby East End, or from the possibility of running into a disembodied malevolent spirit, angry that his grave is a bit less splendid than that of John Knox. A slightly sad sidestory to the Necropolis is that the sheer scale and grandeur of the place highlights how in Victorian times Glasgow was one of the wealthiest and most important cities in the world, whilst nowadays, despite some very succesful regeneration, it is still a shadow of it's former self. Still, a visit to the Necropolis is as good a time as you can possibly have whilst being surrounded by 50,000 rotting corpses, and it's a must for any visitor to the city. read more
If you are visiting Glasgow I would say this is the number one thing to see, including St. Mungo's Cathedral. The views of Glasgow are spectacular and its a great place to go for a walk and meander. It is quite a lovely cemetery, and I'm one of those weirdos that can spend hours reading tombstones...I can actually lead you to my favorites, if you take the tour with me! "O for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still" about someones lost love, pulls at my heart strings every time I see it. After the long trek around, up, through and over there is one of the oldest pubs down the street (The Old School House), or for beer connoisseurs I recommend Drygate. read more
17 years ago
It's hard to believe Glasgow's majestic necropolis cemetery sits just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Offering panoramic views of the city, the serene location is an absorbing place for a stroll, with the elaborate tombs of some of Glasgow most notable residents as impressive as any other Victorian architecture in the city and making it something of an outdoor museum. The most obvious is the intimidating column for John Knox, the second highest point in Glasgow, but the likes of Major Archibald Douglas Monteath and William Gavin did fairly well too with their opulent burial places. Not only is the place interesting in an architectural sense, but it also serves as a fascinating reminder of the fact Glasgow clearly had a few bob to spend on such luxuries in its day. Thankfully, after gaining a reputation as a haven for Tennent's Super-guzzling jaikies, the last few years have seen the Necropolis become a much safer place to wander around, something which is reflected by the increasing number of tourists who visit, particularly for the spectacular sunset views. read more
Visited April 2015: "Hidden behind a Cathedral" We originally thought this was the cemetery behind the Glasgow Cathedral until we located the entrance. There's a bridge over the motorway to the cemetery upon the hill. Different monuments, different eras, and amazing views of the city. read more
11 years ago
Superbly morbid and spectacular Glasgow attraction. If you're at all a necrophiliac (not in the literal sense, hopefully) and in fond of morbid places to visit, when in Glasgow this is the place to go. A veritable city of the dead, as the name implies, it is a huge area of gravestones, tablets, figures and mausoleums that stretches for a mile and towers over the cathedral area in Glasgow, anchored by St. Mungo's (Glasgow) Cathedral just below. Glasgow is not my favorite Scottish town, but this is my favorite place in Glasgow. Recommended! read more
10 years ago
Feels a bit strange saying "I'm a fan" of a huge cemetery, but it made for a pretty unique afternoon's stroll before we headed over to Drygate nearby. Experiencing a weekend of hot, sunny weather, it certainly provided terrific views of the city once you'd meandered up one of the paths to the top of the hill, passing 3,500 headstones and tombs of varying scale and Victorian decoration. There's no grid layout like you'll find at most cemeteries - the paths weave around the site based on its topography. Clearly, the more money your family had, the higher up the hill you were buried and the more prominent your grave's location. If it had been grey, misty and approaching dusk, this'd make for a rather unsettling location for a walk - the only unsettling thing we saw when we visited were some people sunbathing in front of the gravestones. Have some common decency. Once atop the hill, you'll get a great view of the impressive Glasgow Cathedral and its green copper roof and the hospital beyond - a stark reminder of the short journey those unfortunate souls took from bed, to church, to grave... read more
Glasgow Necropolis is a huge Victorian garden cemetery behind Glasgow Cathedral, on the hill behind Glasgow Royal INfirmary. It's a huge and beautiful site with some amazing shrines and tombstones. It may seem eerie to some but ti's a beautiful park and absolutely fascinating to wander around. Unfortunately some of the gravestones have been vandalised in recent years, which gives the place more of a sad feel. However, if you are interested in history and the Victorian era in particular, it's well worth a sunny afternoon walk around. read more
The city of the dead...one of the most beautiful places on earth. Glasgow's necropolis winds its way up a hill in the heart of the city. A stonesthrow from the cathedral, once you've crossed the tall bridge of sighs you can walk right in. There are many interesting gravestones to see, including a large portion of the Knox family and past merchants within the city. Apparently it's really expensive for a plot here, and they are usually reserved for people who have close connections to some of the big families that have been buried here in the past. There are some amazing mausoleums, crumbling and somewhat humbling in their decaying state. Some gravestones have been upturned or lie on their sides, but it doesn't take away from the stature or strange romance of the place. Expect to see many motifs, from a distinct Greek influence to strong, plain Calvinistic tombs. Some of the gravestones are so old you can barely read the text, but a number from the Victorian and Edwardian eras are extremely ornate. When you reach the top of the hill you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the city, almost in its entirety. Turn one way and you can see the old industrial relics along the river; turn another and you see the tenements of the neighbouring east end creating a varied skyline. Look straight ahead and you could practically nosedive into the Tennents' brewery. A sad, sombre but nevertheless gorgeous walk, the only thing I would warn tourists is don't venture in at nightfall. but if you can stay long enough to see the sunset before making a sharp exit, then it is beautiful indeed. read more
As soon as I first spotted the Necropolis (aka City of the Deid) I knew I just had to visit it, I'd heard so many stories about how 'amazing' the views were but also how 'dodgy' it was - full of 'junkies' & 'neds' all oot to stab or mug you (of course). I must admit that did put me off a wee bit...then I got a job at the Royal Infirmary and I was so close to said Necropolis I could smell it. Mmm...ancient dead bodies. So one day a friend & I decide to brave the junkies/neds & go for a wee wander...well, a wee wander here can easily turn into a 'Oops. Where am I?...Have we been up that way?' So as we found the Necropolis has various paths & like those old 80's Choose Your Own Adventure books whatever path you choose leads you to your destiny ~ be that a lovely deer (which we did actually stumble across once) or death...well, maybe not death but REALLY muddy feet. The old Goth in me (even though I was never a Goth) does love a good graveyard. I am fascinated by all the ornate & beautiful headstones, and also it's always a wee bit funny (if childish) to have a giggle at some of the old funny names. Sorry. So this is a super place for all the budding photographers & grave-lovers out there but also for those that love an interesting walk & a great view. The views from the very top are brilliant. I actually ended up moving into a flat right opposite the Necropolis (great view to see from your window, even if it is a wee bit spooky at night...) and spent many occasions in the Necropolis either alone or with company, I must say though when I was alone I did always get that wee pang of fear that a crazy junkie ned might attack me from behind a gravestone...but thankfully that never happened. Another great time to visit the very top of the Necropolis is on Bonfire night ~ myself & The Boy did this one year & the view was fantastic. Free firework display for everyone - yay! This place is beautiful all year round; in the Summer I used to love visiting this place to take photos or just to sit in peace & read a book. Also in the Winter when covered in snow it might be a bit difficult to negotiate the slippy, winding paths but it's worth it again for the great, snowy view of Glasgow. The Necropolis appeals to all sorts; once from my living room window I even saw a guy with a woman doing a 'sexy' photoshoot amongst the gravestones! Haha! Death & sex. Powerful stuff. read more
People always think I'm a bit crazy to suggest talking a walk around the Necropolis. I can see why they'd think that but I think the Necropolis has a great walk and is packed with so much history. From the graves to the names on them, I find it all so interesting and there's a great view of Glasgow at the top. The cathedral is pretty to see and has been used as one of the filming scenes for Outlander. I know this because I was stood outside it when they were filming and could hear chanting! I've heard that the tour is really good and that there's so much info they tell you like what the different gravestones mean. I've never taken the tour but I might this year! Next sunny day, take a trip to the Necropolis and I think you'll be surprised (in a good way!). read more
Inspired by yesterday's review of the day, I realised I forgot to write a review following my recent visit to the Necropolis. Like a number of the others reviews state, the Necropolis is well worth a visit, and despite living in Glasgow on and off since I was 17 I'd still not made it along. So when one of my English friends was up for a long weekend, I jumped at the chance to take her here for a wander. Necropolis means 'city of the dead' (we actually had to google it before our visit as neither of us really knew what the word meant!) and might seem like a strange place to want to visit but I like the history and reading the inscriptions. It was a cold and very windy winter day when we went but I still enjoyed the climb to the top and checking out both the views of Glasgow and reading about some of the people buried here. I've heard you can go on an organised tour which I'm sure would be interesting. I'd certainly be interested to find out why the graves are so orderly, the neat rows don't match up to other old cemeteries I've visited. read more
9 years ago
The cemetery is on top a hill by the infirmary and Glasgow Cathedral. There are some main pathways throughout. The cemetery is well groomed. It is unfortunate that some of the grave stones have fallen over and have not been cared for, while others have been vandalized. There is so much history in the graveyard, from large mausoleums to simple headstones. I could spend hours walking around here. read more
It is easy to dismiss the Necropolis as the dwelling place of goths and photographers. But do not be so quick to judge. Take it in and allow yourself to experience the feelings that this place brings. read more
11 years ago
I had been to Necropolis years ago and wanted to go back ever since I moved back to glasgow. So when i left my flat today and the whole street was white I figured there was no better time for a bit of sightseeing. There is something ethereal about this place covered in snow, like being in a scene from game of thrones. Without the creepy white walkers. I did walk though, all the way to the top. The view was spectacular and I couldn't stop taking pictures. Magic. I'm not saying wait til it snows to go but if you have the opportunity to see it one day, treat yourself to a white afternoon in peaceful Necropolis. And wear gloves. read more
Visit a cemetery are you mad!!! Nope .... It's a wonderful place, full of history and architecture, Lovely views of the city Hunt for the writer of wee willy winky find the most elaborately decorated grave and guess their wealth Either way it's a lovely different walk You will be dying to go back ;-) read more
10 years ago
I'm always torn between my affinity for graves and tombstones and my overwhelming empathy and sense of sadness upon entering their zone. This graveyard is very aesthetically pleasing. The graves, sites, and views are breathtaking. If you are in the area I definitely recommend taking a look at this beacon of the past. Well worth an hour or two of your time. read more
17 years ago
The Necropolis is a little bit of history sitting right in the city centre. Just a 15 minute walk up Cathedral Street from Buchannan Street, this place is great to visit for a walk and see a special bit of Glasgow. The grave stones themselves are intriguing and beautiful, you get excellent views of the city skyline and if you're lucky you may be able to see wild deer which have been known to frequent here. The Necropolis itself can be stunning in the sunlight but quite eerie when the clouds tide over. One visit last winter when I was there by myself taking photographs one late afternoon, it started to snow and the atmosphere was just incredible. As soon as it started getting dark however I began to feel uneasy and unsafe, so decided to make my way. For a day of sight-seeing in Glasgow, I'd highly recommend you include the Necropolis in your visit to nearby Glasgow Cathedral and St Mungo's Museum. read more
17 years ago
Given my predilection for lonely walks, the Necropolis is a frequent host to my wanderings. Not only does it have plenty of funerary ornamentation- some elegantly austere, others evoking all manner of architectural styles- it rewards a gradual climb with a beautiful view of the brewery- oh, and Glasgow to the south! I would not come up here at night- the blankets in some of the enclosed tombs suggest it is still in use, and it is far away from any safety, but during the day, it is a wonderful spot of open ground, where deers frolic, goths meditate on mortality while joggers pound the path. It is big enough to contain them all, and it is more likely that you'll spot other visitors from a distance than actually pass them. read more
18 years ago
A historical cemetry next to Glasgow Cathedral. It is a big hilly area which rewards the climb to the top with spendid views over the city. The Necropolis is a facinating place rich in history which is popular with visiters from all over the world. On a personal note, while in the Princess Royal Maternaty hospital after the birth of my eldest daughter, we were lucky enough to be put into a private room with a view of the Necropolis. Not to go into too much detail but I was not in a very good place then. I remember feeding my baby during the night with the curtains open staring at the beautiful, hunting view from the window. I know that to some, including a lot of our visitors thought it stange that I would find this attractive, but to me I found peace and a sence of reality from it. Well worth a visit read more
8 years ago
An old cemetery at the top of a hill overlooking Glasgow, sound picturesque right? Well it is! Great views of the city as well and a great way to see the cathedral from overhead. read more
Before I came out to Glasgow I was told to visit the Necropolis. At first I thought, hmm what's the big deal about it? We have graveyards in California but nothing special, just very symmetrical fields with identical gravestones. We've got only one famous one that stands out, which is the Hollywood forever cemetery where musicians, actors and anyone in the movie biz are buried, but no "regular joe" cemeteries which I could think would be good for tourists to take a look around. I thought, It's probably really depressing and dreary, but I was completely wrong! I think there is something so beautiful and peaceful about walking though this cemetery, it is incredible. It's a Victorian cemetery with an amazing layout of rolling hills within the Necropolis, full of gravestones all shapes and sizes, some of the dates of the graves even aging back to the 1832, it's just crazy how much history this place has...I've never seen anything like it! The sizes of the graves can range for very small to insanely detailed, large mausoleums. Once you get to the top there are lovely panoramic views of the city, the Glasgow Cathedral and a view of the Royal Infirmary of Glasgow, which even that building dates back to 1794. I really enjoyed my visit here and never thought I would love this place as much as I did, who ever is resting in this Necropolis is at peace and you can really feel that presence when you are there. read more
15 years ago
Really interesting to traverse and have a read of graves. I think way too many people just overlook is as just another cemetary this is a scottish version of an Egyptian city of the dead. It feels like you are off in some strange distant world. read more
I didn't expect to find a graveyard so interesting, but the Necropolis was beautiful. Absolutely worth carving out time for. It feels weird to highly recommend people to go wander around and check out headshots, but it is a "must" for a tourist in Glasgow. The gravestones are goregous, the layout allows you to walk in circles, and the view of the city isn't too shabby either. read more
17 years ago
Yes, this is a cemetery, but it's ancient, eerie and beautiful. 37 acres in size, and containing 50,000 bodies, it may not be to everybody's taste, but I love it. Reading some of the gravestones reveals the age of the place - the first burial taking place in the 1830's. Some of the headstones are fascinating, some are heartbreaking. It's a bit of a hike to the top, but it's lovely and really worth it. The views are nice and some of the grandest monuments are up there. read more
Strangely, this was what I did to avoid the jet lag coma my fellow students had coming into Scotland from the US. It was incredibly peaceful and allowed me to gain a footing so-to-speak in my new home. The turned over headstones and the architecture was beautiful and it was eerie. I am so glad I found this first as it because my sanctuary in the month I was in Glasgow. read more
Loads to see, so interesting! We joined a Friends Of The Necropolis tour and the guide was really informative, making frequent stops to tell the stories of the people interred, and about the inception of the cemetery, etc. It's also a great view from the top. Well worth a visit! read more
This was an excellent place to visit for a romantic walk (would you believe it). My boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed walking around the magnificent graveyard reading all the tomb stones from way back when. There is an eerie yet beautiful feel about the place. Some of the tombstones are spectacularly designed. And the view from the top of the hill looking out over Glasgow was marvelous, a photographer's paradise! I would also recommend combining this day out with a trip to the museum across the road - very interesting! read more
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“Right across you have the Glasgow Cathedral which you can get to easily using a stone bridge to cross the road.”
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17 years ago
Just a quick stroll over the bridge of sighs, now arcing over a noisy road in comparison to the Molendinar Burn of times past, and you come to my favourite spot in Glasgow, the Necropolis. Nestled up on the hill behind St Mungo's Cathedral is the city's best kept secret; 37 acres in total, it is the haunt of many ramblers, dog walkers, architecture students and writers. Once I even saw a man on skis gliding around during the first snowfall of winter 2008. Mostly, it is a refuge for people who want to be alone with their thoughts in a place of beauty and solitude, the only disturbance being the rhythmic hum of passing traffic snaking its way by down below. One of the greenest areas in the city centre, the necropolis is home to over 50,000 bodies and 3,500 tombs, many designed by great artists of the 19th century such as Alexander Thomson, Charles Rennie Macintosh and JT Rochead. John Knox presides over the mount, sitting high atop a large Doric column and time slips by unnoticed as you wander round the magnificent headstones and crypts, admiring the magnificent detail in the sculpture; the ornate columns and cornices, Celtic crucifixes covered in twisting winding vines so perfect it's almost impossible to believe they were carved by human hands. Many would think that visiting a graveyard is quite macabre and almost creepy but I feel nothing but peace and tranquillity when I'm up there breathing in the crisp fresh air. I have visited it frequently and yet still feel that there is more to be discovered, things that have escaped me. There are so many details to be admired besides the mind blowing collection of architectural elements from every period in artistic history; loving messages and quotes on headstones remind the visitor that these are not mere tourist attractions but that the names and families engraved on these stones represent real people and I always find myself wondering what their lives were like. The Glasgow Necropolis isn't just for the enthusiastic tourist, camera at the ready. If you are ever in the city, be it for a short time or have lived here for years, I urge you to visit this peaceful haven on the mount. It is definitely worth the hoof and I promise you will not be disappointed, but remember, the gates close at sundown! read more
15 years ago
It's a very atmospheric place, full of history and mystery. But I would recommend you also visit Glasgow Cathedral and the Museum of Religion nearby (it's closed on a Monday, so toilets are only available in a carpark behind the Barony Church (20 pence to use the very modern automatic loo) ) I have heard that there is a new book just out on Glasgow graveyards. read more
12 years ago
Wow. What a beautiful, peaceful place, a secluded green space right in the city center. The art on the centuries-old tombstones was really interesting, and the view was gorgeous. I filled up about three memory cards in my camera here. read more
18 years ago
a very old cemetary near glasgow royal infirmary it is built on a hill but i recommend a visit hear it very intresting
16 years ago
amazing place very atmospheric especially as the nights draw in

























































































































































