Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow

In 543 AD, Glasgow's patron saint St Mungo founded this cathedral on the site of a Christian burial ground. It is Scotland's oldest medieval church and now houses the Church of Scotland. The first stone church on this site was established in 1136 by Bishop Achaius and King David I, but was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1197. The present building is in the Gothic "First Pointed" style and dates from the 13th century. Bishop William de Bondington (1233-1258) supervised the initial work but the cathedral was not completed until 200 years later. Approximately 550 years ago, Glasgow University was founded in the sacristy of the upper church, which also houses the nave and choir. Call ahead for open hours as they are seasonal.