The Glasgow Necropolis

A city of the dead on a hill

The Merchants' House of Glasgow planned the Necropolis in the early 1830s, and it opened officially in 1833. Around 50,000 people are buried here, though only a fraction are named on the roughly 3,500 monuments. You enter over the Bridge of Sighs, completed in 1836 and named for the funeral processions that crossed it.

What to look for

The John Knox column on the summit dates from 1825 and predates the cemetery itself. Look out for the neo-Norman Monteath Mausoleum of 1842, tombs designed by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson and a Celtic cross by a young Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The paths climb steadily, and the reward at the top is a wide view over the cathedral and the city.

Joining a tour

The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis run friendly, informal walking tours on selected weekends and post dates on their website, where you can book. Combine a visit with Glasgow Cathedral at the foot of the hill and Provand's Lordship, the city's oldest house, a short walk away. Give yourself at least an hour to wander, longer if you want to read the inscriptions, and go in daylight when the views across the city are clearest.

Highlights

• Victorian garden cemetery opened in 1833
• About 3,500 monuments on a hill above the cathedral
• Bridge of Sighs entrance, completed 1836
• Work by Alexander Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh
• Panoramic city views from the summit

Good to know

• Walking tours by the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis are bookable through their website.
• Paths are steep in places; wear sturdy shoes.

Frequently asked questions