Lion and Unicorn Staircase, Category A listed staircase at University of Glasgow, Scotland
The Lion and Unicorn Staircase is a listed stone staircase at the University of Glasgow made up of two flights connected by a landing. Stone sculptures of national symbols decorate the balustrade, and it links different levels of the main building together.
Stonemason William Riddel finished the staircase in 1690, after which it was relocated stone by stone from High Street to Gilmorehill campus in the 1870s. The move was a lengthy process that required taking apart and reassembling the entire structure in a new location.
The balustrade displays England's lion and Scotland's unicorn, symbols that reflect the political relationship between the two nations through architectural design. These royal emblems were a way for buildings to express their importance and connections to power.
You can find the staircase next to the Memorial Chapel on the west side of the Main Building. It is best to visit during regular university hours when you are exploring the campus grounds.
When the staircase was moved, the turn direction at the landing was actually reversed from right to left. This shows how carefully craftspeople worked to reassemble such a complex piece of stone architecture in its new setting.
Location: Glasgow City
Location: Glasgow
Part of: University Avenue, University Of Glasgow, Main Building
GPS coordinates: 55.87140,-4.28990
Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:03
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