Glasgow City Chambers

Built in 1886, the City Chambers of Glasgow have served as both a government facility and an attraction of tourism since the late 19th century. Queen Victoria has visited and held council within these walls towards the end of her reign and the building has continued to serve as a hub for Glaswegian and Scottish politics for well over a century.

The Architects amongst us will be impressed by the designer William Young’s homage to the Renaissance, paying particular attention to the typical Da Vinci-era Italian decor used as a means of conveying power and grandeur. Just as ornate as the exterior, the interior carries the image of the pomp and splendour of a traditional Scottish stately home with the gilded elegance of the classic Italian Renaissance cathedrals, if I dare say it, perhaps even the Sistine Chapel. The ceilings of the interior consist mainly of swelling, convex domes covered in intricate mosaics. Threads of gold entwine the white marble staircases which lead to the royal blue, cavernous council chambers. This would make any of the designers of the luxury Glasgow hotels blush.

Having decided that Glasgow is the best holiday destination Scotland has to offer, I decided to spend a little of my time visiting The City Chambers in an attempt to absorb a little Scottish history. I was especially delighted to discover that free tours of The City Chambers are running throughout the day as this displays Scotland’s own attitude to conserving and sharing its heritage. I even had the luxury of finding an offer for one of the best luxury Glasgow hotels, situated just around the corner from this fantastic monument. I am also pleased to say that I brought my camera along, and it is wonderfully refreshing to say that unlike many of the British National Trust sites, I was freely encouraged and invited to take as many pictures as I could. Next time you visit Glasgow or any other holiday destination Scotland offers, please be sure to visit this wonderfully-preserved example of Scottish heritage.