University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow is a public research institution in Glasgow, Scotland, built with red sandstone in a neo-Gothic style with tall spires and long cloisters. The buildings sit on a hill overlooking the River Kelvin and surround a central courtyard with lawns.

Pope Nicholas V established the institution through a papal bull at the request of King James II in 1451. Teaching began in Glasgow Cathedral before the institution moved to its current site in the mid-19th century.

Locals refer to the building as the Gilmorehill campus after the hill where it was relocated in the 19th century. Students gather on the lawn between lectures and passersby often cut through the grounds as a shortcut between neighborhoods.

The buildings are open daily for visitors and the cloisters provide covered passage during rain. The hilltop location means some stairs to climb, though ramps are available.

The tall bell tower houses the second-largest bell in Britain, weighing 13 tons. Graduation ceremonies require sixteen people to ring it since the rope alone is too heavy for one person.

Location: Glasgow City

Inception: January 7, 1451

Website: https://gla.ac.uk

GPS coordinates: 55.87222,-4.28806

Latest update: December 18, 2025 10:48