The Glasgow Necropolis

Cemetery · Dennistoun

The Glasgow Necropolis

Cemetery · Dennistoun

3

Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ, United Kingdom

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The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null
The Glasgow Necropolis by null

Highlights

Victorian cemetery with ornate tombs, offering city views  

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Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ, United Kingdom Get directions

glasgownecropolis.org

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Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 141 287 5064
glasgownecropolis.org
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@GlwNecropolis

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wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 27, 2025

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@michelinguide

2 Days in Glasgow

"A Victorian burial ground with dramatic flair, offering superb views of the city from its elevated position." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/2-days-in-glasgow
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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Necropolis

"The Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian, multi-faith cemetery and holds over 50,000 bodies. Entering over the Bridge of Sighs, the Necropolis is Glasgow's version of the famous Paris cemetery, Père Lachaise. Burials date back as early as 1832 and architect, Alexander 'The Greek' Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh are among famous names to have designed stones. The graveyard is more interesting than creepy (dependent on time of the day) and panoramic views of the city are seen when stood under the giant John Knox statue on the main hill. Good pub stops including Drygate (see other post) are a short distance walk from here." - Kenna

https://onthegrid.city/glasgow/glasgow/necropolis
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@atlasobscura

12 Places in Europe That Will Inspire Wanderlust

"Fifty thousand bodies are buried in the 37 acres of the Glasgow Necropolis which sits on a hill adjacent to the Glasgow Cathedral. Monuments of every architectural style are here, designed by major architects and sculptors of the time, including Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, Charles Rennie Macintosh and JT Rochead. In 1832, The Cemeteries Act was passed in Britain, which allowed burial for profit. Before the act, the parish church held full responsibility for burying the dead. At the time, Glasgow had a growing population with fewer folks attending church, and the city was one of the first to take advantage of the act. In April 1833 the Victorian Glasgow Necropolis officially opened, and was an interdenominational burial ground with the first burial being Joseph Levi, a Jew, and a jeweler. A year later, the first Christian burial was of Elizabeth Miles, the stepmother of the Superintendent, George Mylne. Uncommon for its time, the necropolis kept records of the deceased, including ages, sex and cause of death. A bridge, known as the “Bridge of Sighs,” stands at the main entrance, and got its name for being part of the funeral processions route (also an allusion to the “Bridge of Sighs” in Venice). In 1838, ornate gates were erected, restricting access onto the bridge. Between the gate and the bridge are three modern memorials: one to the still-born children; one to the Korean War; and one to the Glaswegian recipients of the Victoria Cross. The cemetery opens daily at 7AM, and still attracts local and global visitors." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/12-places-in-europe-that-will-inspire-wanderlust
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S Gries

Google
Stepping into the Glasgow Necropolis feels less like entering a cemetery and more like discovering an open-air museum. This Victorian masterpiece is an absolute must-see and a true five-star experience. Perched on a hill overlooking Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. As you ascend the winding paths, each turn reveals a new and stunning monument. The sheer scale and intricate detail of the tombs and mausoleums are awe-inspiring, a testament to the city's rich history and the craftsmanship of the time. You can spend hours wandering, reading the fascinating inscriptions, and admiring the varied architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Gothic. The atmosphere is one of serene beauty and historical reverence, not at all eerie. It's a peaceful place for a walk, a spot for contemplation, and a photographer's dream, especially as the light changes throughout the day. The "Bridge of Sighs" that connects the cathedral to the Necropolis is an iconic entry point, setting the stage for the grandeur that awaits. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and beautiful place to explore in Glasgow, the Necropolis delivers on every front. It's a truly unforgettable place that captures the city's past and offers some of the best views you'll find anywhere.

Catherine Hunt

Google
We were visiting Glasgow for a day trip from Stirling and walked around this fascinating attraction known as the Victorian “city of the dead” situated on a hill just east of Glasgow Cathedral. It is home to approximately 50,000 burials and around 3,500 elaborate monuments and mausoleums. The top of the hill has nice view of the city and the Cathedral.

AJay Sadh

Google
Set on a hill overlooking the city, this Victorian cemetery offers stunning views of Glasgow, especially at sunset. The architecture of the tombs and monuments is incredible—each one tells a story. It’s peaceful, a bit eerie in the best way, and perfect for a reflective walk. I’d recommend combining it with a visit to the nearby Glasgow Cathedral and grabbing a coffee in one of the local cafés after. A quiet yet powerful experience.

Anne Marie Stagg

Google
“Grand cemetery of the Victorian elite” as per Google maps! This place is so interesting, full of social history. We were there over an hour and only saw some of it. Following in from the entrance next to Glasgow Cathedral the paths twist and turn getting higher and higher. The view from the higher parts of the Necropolis are breathtaking! We visited on a bright sunny day but I would love to see it at dusk. I think the Necropolis has to be one of the places you should definitely visit when visiting Glasgow. Free entry. Highly recommended!

Claire G

Google
Beautiful cemetery within walking distance of Glasgow city centre. Spent about an hour looking around. I'm sure there would be something interesting to see each visit. Very peaceful with lovely views of Glasgow Cathedral and loved the spring blossom. Free to enter.

irvine tweedie

Google
The Necropolis is a great place to visit in Glasgow's spiritual heart. Although the Necropolis is in the centre of busy Glasgow, it is a good place to go for inner city peace and contemplation and also stunning views of Glasgow stretching in all directions. Tours are also given lasting about 2 hours, which book up quickly. I highly recommend a visit to the Necropolis.

Sasha Hardman

Google
A beautiful space to walk - peaceful and well cared for. A fantastic place to contemplate and it has excellent views across the city from St Minho’s statue.

just a girl about town

Google
so another place that I had never been too iv always wanted to go as I have family buried there but the place is so huge you would need expert advice on how to find a particular grave apparently there is 50,000 buried here but only 3,500 monuments so the rest I am assuming are unmarked if you get to the top, there is panoramic views of the city so that alone is well worth the visit
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Susan S.

Yelp
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
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Casey M.

Yelp
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.
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Laura G.

Yelp
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.
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Leila R.

Yelp
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!
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Monica O.

Yelp
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.
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Grahame G.

Yelp
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.
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Lisa E.

Yelp
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.
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Michael B.

Yelp
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...
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Michael F.

Yelp
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!
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Jen L.

Yelp
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.
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Austen M.

Yelp
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.
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Thomas M.

Yelp
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!
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Gavin M.

Yelp
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.
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Jill K.

Yelp
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.
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Paul C.

Yelp
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.
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Roslyn S.

Yelp
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!).
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Roz M.

Yelp
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.
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Kristina K.

Yelp
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.
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Nicola B.

Yelp
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.
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Cecilie C.

Yelp
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.
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Kevin D.

Yelp
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 ;-)
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Matt I.

Yelp
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.
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Em C.

Yelp
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.
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Angela B.

Yelp
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.

M N.

Yelp
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.
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Andrew C.

Yelp
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.
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Claire B.

Yelp
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!
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Catriona M.

Yelp
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.
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gareth v.

Yelp
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.
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Sarah F.

Yelp
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!
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Qype User (elliem…)

Yelp
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
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Layla M.

Yelp
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.

Glenda R.

Yelp
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.

George P.

Yelp
Really beautiful area to walk around with great views of the city. Well worth a visit. Very well kept and very interesting old drives and tombstones to look at.
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Liz K.

Yelp
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.
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Liz M.

Yelp
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.
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K C.

Yelp
An amazing walk. Both to get here [from city centre] and around there itself. Incredibly sacred ground, the tombs are hundreds of years old and are in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Great view of Glasgow when you get to the top. Make sure you stop by the Cathedral on the way back, if you didn't already check it out on the way.
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Alan S.

Yelp
Worth a quick look at least. A bit morbid perhaps but beautiful architecture and a real sense of peace here. If you are in Glasgow it's something not to be missed, the adjacent cathedral is also a must see.
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Qype User (BillyB…)

Yelp
Absolutely fascinating Victorian cemetary, where the figure of John Knox watches over the Cathedral and High St from the top of the hill. At the top you can see over Glasgow for miles. This is where the rich of Glasgow's past are buried and it is interesting to read the names and history on the stones. So sad that some of the tombs have been vandalised.

Lexi R.

Yelp
GREAT place for a first date. Would also love to give birth here. Love the atmosphere. 10/10 would die again.

Lauren M.

Yelp
So, it's not exactly a business, but it's definately one of my favourite places to go in Glasgow. Despite having lived here for nearly four years, I only made the trip to the Necropolis last week, and I don't know why I waited so long. The magestically named Bridge of Sighs gives an indication of the mystique which lies across it. The Necropolis offers stunning views across the city, of the neighbouring cathedral and, of course, the Tennants Brewery. The imposing John Knox monument, which predates the Necropolis, is a formidable sight and a momento to one of the titans of Scotland's historical legacy. i made the trip one one of our rare sunny days, and it was a respite from the hustle of both the city centre and the parks full of beer-swilling students and police. I'm sure it would get pretty creepy come night time, but spend some time wandering round, imagining histories for all the names inscribed on the tombstones and looking at the views. Lovely.

Qype User (ROCKCH…)

Yelp
A very hilly cemetry, has lots of old gravestones and muesleoms of people who lived and died in Glasgow. A very large area covered. You get a lovely view of Glasgow from the top. A great place to take your dog for a walk.