St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow

History and architecture

James Gillespie Graham designed the cathedral in 1814 and it was finished two years later, an early example of Gothic Revival in the city. It is Category A listed. A restoration from 2009 to 2011 renewed the interior, and the cathedral reopened in April 2011. Its pointed windows and pinnacles stand out among the plainer buildings of Clyde Street. A DVD about the restoration is sold in the shop.

What to see

Look for Peter Howson's large painting of the martyrdom of St John Ogilvie, installed during the restoration. Beside the cathedral is the Italian Monument and Cloister Garden, a quiet space off the riverside. A small shop opens around Mass times. The restoration also returned the archbishop's cathedra here from St Mary's in Calton, which served as the temporary pro-cathedral.

Visiting

The cathedral is an active church with Mass every day, so visit quietly and avoid wandering during services. It is easy to combine with a walk along the Clyde walkway or a coffee in the city centre, a few minutes north. Weekday lunchtime Mass at 1pm is a good time to hear the building in use, while early morning is quietest for a look around.

Highlights

• Completed in 1816 to a design by James Gillespie Graham
• Category A-listed Gothic Revival building
• Restored and reopened in 2011
• Peter Howson painting of St John Ogilvie
• Italian Monument and Cloister Garden

Good to know

• Open daily; it is a working church with daily Mass.
• The shop is usually open around 30 minutes before and after Mass.
• Masses are also streamed online.

Frequently asked questions