Feb 24, 2025

University Avenue Glasgow

Historic Glasgow Buildings

"Stroll down University Avenue in Glasgow to admire 500 years of architecture, from the historic University Building to the modern expansions of today."

Take a walk down university avenue to behold buildings constructed over 500 years in the past all the way up to the modern day.

Linking Bank Street to Highburgh Road and Byres Road, the avenue isn't very long, easily walkable in ten minutes. However, to truly take in all of the architecture surrounding this historic road (which i would highly recommend doing) it could literally take you hours.

The cityscape is densely packed with both historic and modern buildings, the highlights of which to me are the main Glasgow University Building, built in 1451 (and its attached University Chapel), the Mackintosh House, and the Wellington Church of Scotland (built 1882-84 with Greek-style Pillars).

The Mackintosh House can be seen from University Avenue right across the road from the main Glasgow University Building. It is a fascinating recreation of Charles Rennie MackIntosh's home (renowned Scottish Architect and designer) and displays some of his finest works inside, linked with the Hunterian Museum.

The main university building is an absolute marvel of architecture and is said to have inspired ideas for the famous 'Harry Potter' series. Whether this is true or not remains speculation, but the resemblance to 'Hogwarts' is uncanny and I love strolling around inside the magical grounds of the castle in the open public spaces.

The rest of the road is an interesting blend of the modern style adopted by the university recently (for expansions) and the preserved, old, original city buildings filled with little hidden side streets to discover.

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About this spot

University Avenue

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