Interesting Facts About Glasgow: Glasgow’s vibrancy, industrial heritage, and amazing art and culture scene are well-known facts all over the world. For many centuries, Glasgow has successfully surprised and delighted visitors. There is so much to explore in Glasgow that it never ever lets anybody’s curiosity fade away. If you too, are feeling curious about this fascinating city and want to know more about it, then you are at the right place. In the sections below, we have covered some interesting facts about Glasgow.
This Blog Includes:
- Tree Stumps are Older Than the Dinosaurs in Glasgow
- Glasgow’s Underground Railway System is the Third Oldest in the World
- Glasgow Cathedral is the Only Cathedral on the Scottish Mainland to Survive the Protestant Reformation of 1560
- The Bones of Saint Valentine Reside in Glasgow
- Glasgow is Known as the ‘Dear Green Place’ in Gaelic
- Glasgow City Chambers Contain More Marble Than the Vatican City
- The Duke of Wellington Statue is Always Wearing a Traffic Cone
- Glasgow is Home to One of the Oldest Universities in the English-speaking World
- Billy Connolly’s Humour is Immortalised in the City’s Murals
- The Tallest Cinema in the World is in Glasgow
- FAQs
Tree Stumps are Older Than the Dinosaurs in Glasgow
Glasgow’s Fossil Grove has around eleven fossil tree stumps, which are believed to have been around for 330 million years, making them older than dinosaurs. These fossil tree stumps were discovered in 1887, and to preserve them, a museum began managing them in 1889. Interestingly, the Forest Grove is now a popular tourist attraction in Scotland.
Also Read: Impressed by British table etiquette? Then, check out our blog on British table Etiquette!
Glasgow’s Underground Railway System is the Third Oldest in the World
Glasgow’s underground railway system is popularly called ‘clockwork orange’ by the locals. It is the only underground metro in the whole country. If you live in a nearby student housing in Glasgow, then you ought to travel via this. Started in 1896, the underground railway system in Glasgow is the oldest transit system in the world, which runs a 10.5-kilometre loop around the city. This is one of the only metro systems in the world which hasn’t expanded from its original route.
Glasgow Cathedral is the Only Cathedral on the Scottish Mainland to Survive the Protestant Reformation of 1560
Located on the tomb site of St Mungo, Glasgow Cathedral belongs to the medieval ages and was built in the 1100s. It still remains intact as its structure was saved due to the fact that Protestants repurposed it for their own worship. Due to its rich history and stunning architecture, it is definitely a must-visit place in Glasgow.
Also Read: Do your friends also describe you as a shopaholic? If yes, then check out our blog on Shopping Districts in the UK!
The Bones of Saint Valentine Reside in Glasgow
St. Valentine was a 3rd-century Roman Saint who was allegedly executed on 14th February 269 AD. A small wooden box that contains the bones of St. Valentine is present at the Church of Blessed St John Duns Scotus, which is decorated with flowers on every Valentine’s Day. You would be shocked to know that Saint Valentine’s exact personality is still unknown.
Glasgow is Known as the ‘Dear Green Place’ in Gaelic
Glasgow is regarded as the ‘dear green place’ as the city boasts of having 90 gardens and parks, with lush woodland parks and rolling hills. Some of the well-known parks and gardens in Glasgow include The Hidden Park, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove Park, Scottish Poetry Rose Garden, and the Maxwell Park Pollokshields.
Glasgow City Chambers Contain More Marble Than the Vatican City
If you are looking for some of the places to visit in Glasgow, then you should definitely consider going to Glasgow City Chambers. It overlooks George Square and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Scotland. The beautiful interior of the City Chambers has acted as a substitute for the Vatican in the films. Opened in 1888, the City Chambers has a rich history and mesmerising opulent staircases. Your trip to Glasgow or your exploration of this city from your student accommodation in the United Kingdom is going to remain incomplete if you do not visit this historic place.
Also Read: Are you an international student based out of Aberdeen? If yes, then check out our blog – Weekend Getaways from Aberdeen!
The Duke of Wellington Statue is Always Wearing a Traffic Cone
One of Glasgow’s most iconic and humorous sights is the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art — almost always topped with a traffic cone on his head. What began as a cheeky student prank turned into a beloved local tradition, symbolising the city’s irreverent humour and rebellious spirit. Despite repeated efforts by the council to remove it, the cone keeps coming back and is now embraced as part of the statue’s identity, even featured on postcards and souvenirs.
Glasgow is Home to One of the Oldest Universities in the English-speaking World
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the English-speaking world. With stunning Gothic architecture and a campus that feels like something out of Hogwarts, it has educated notable figures like Adam Smith, James Watt, and Lord Kelvin. Today, the university continues to be a hub of innovation and academic excellence, attracting students and researchers from across the globe.
Billy Connolly’s Humour is Immortalised in the City’s Murals
Beloved comedian Billy Connolly, often referred to as “The Big Yin,” is a Glasgow legend known for his storytelling, humour, and larger-than-life personality. To celebrate his 75th birthday, the city unveiled three large-scale murals in his honour, each depicting different moments and quotes from his life and career. These vibrant artworks are more than just tributes — they reflect Glasgow’s deep connection to its local heroes and its proud sense of cultural identity.
The Tallest Cinema in the World is in Glasgow
Standing 62 metres high with 18 screens, Cineworld Glasgow on Renfrew Street holds the title of the tallest cinema in the world. Opened in 2001, this skyscraper-style cinema offers panoramic views of the city from its upper floors and is a popular entertainment hub for locals and visitors alike. It’s a symbol of Glasgow’s passion for film and modern entertainment, offering everything from blockbuster hits to indie screenings — all in a truly towering experience.
FAQs
Glasgow is famous for a lot of things, some of which are whisky, architecture, shipbuilding, the oldest football team, etc.
Howrah is regarded as the Glasgow of India. Interestingly, this city is also known as the “Sheffield of India”.
Pound Sterling is the official currency of Scotland and the 3-letter code for the same is GBP.
Some of the lesser-known facts about Glasgow are –
– The first-ever ultrasound machine was developed in Glasgow.
– Glasgow is the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music.
– The city is swarmed with film buffs.
– Glasgow received the first TV signals.
Yes! Glasgow offers a unique blend of history, culture, green spaces, world-class museums, live music, and modern street art — all with a warm and welcoming vibe.
Top spots include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral, Riverside Museum, Glasgow Science Centre, the Necropolis, and the West End’s charming cafes and shops.
The name “Glasgow” comes from the Gaelic Glaschu, meaning “Dear Green Place,” due to the city’s abundance of parks and green spaces.
Aside from Scottish staples like haggis and shortbread, Glasgow is famous for deep-fried Mars bars, curry houses, and a growing street food scene.
Glasgow has the third-oldest subway in the world, nicknamed the “Clockwork Orange” due to its circular loop and orange trains.
Absolutely. Glaswegians are known for their friendliness, humour, and down-to-earth attitude. Many visitors find the locals to be one of the highlights of their trip.
We hope you liked this blog, where we covered some interesting facts about Glasgow. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
Follow Us on Social Media
