Glasgow Necropolis, Victorian cemetery in Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery east of the cathedral on a hill overlooking the city. The winding paths lead through a landscape of gravestones, crosses, obelisks and mausoleums among old trees and grassy slopes.
A merchants' association founded the site in 1832 following the example of Paris Père-Lachaise, when new laws banned burials inside churches. The first burial took place in 1833 and hundreds of monuments rose across the grounds during the following decades.
The name comes from the Greek word for city of the dead, reflecting Victorian desire for a monumental burial ground. Visitors today see graves from different faiths side by side, including Jewish burials in a separate section on the slope.
The gate opens every day with free access and visitors can explore the paths on their own or join a guided walk. The slopes are steep and uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
A statue of John Knox stands at the highest point and was once the tallest monument in Scotland. The pedestal contains no grave, though many visitors assume the reformer is buried there.
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