The Necropolis isn't too far from my flat but I've always put off visiting it as its in an area of the city that I have never ventured into with other people before, never mind alone, and we all know I'm basically a giant wimp and afraid of all the different ways in which this situation could veer out of my control but I did it. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and I absolutley loved it.
If you're not familiar with the Glasgow Necropolis, it is essentially a 19th century, 37 acre garden cemetery built up a steep hill in the middle of the city. It overlooks Glasgow Cathedral and provides absolutely stunning views of the east end of the city giving a real sense of the mix of modern, industrial and Victorian buildings that the city has to hold.
While on lower ground it appears like a standard cemetery, as you follow the various paths that ascend the hill there are much more ornate statues, highly decorated tombs build into the side of the hill and war graves. Apparently the idea was that those of higher social standing were buried higher up the hill. At the very peak of the hill there is a large memorial column dedicated to John Knox who was the leader of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland in the 16th century. This is my favourite part of the Necropolis as the views from here are stunning.
Glasgow Cathedral is just another highlight. If you didn't know, I have a love of Gothic architecture. Its not something that I plan my life around or anything but by gosh when I find myself next to a work of absolute art like the Glasgow Cathedral or in the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona or by the Notre Dame in Paris...I can't quite explain the draw I feel towards it. So needless to say the perfect views of the stunning hidden gem made my day.
There were two main things that struck me about the Necropolis, two things that made it more than just a nice place to go for a walk. The first was the mixture of people from different walks of life laid to rest here. One minute you can be reading the headstone of a soldier and the next that of a renowned Chemist or Philosopher. There is just something about it that I find incredibly special. As you all know I'm a huge history nerd. I'm just so fascinated by it all.
The second thing that struck me about the Necropolis was just how special it feels and I cant quite put my finger on why. If you have ever been before then you know that the atmosphere just engulfs you as soon as you walk in. It may be the fact that this beautiful place is just teaming with history. It may be the strange admiration for a place which is essentially just an old cemetery. It may be the fact that the whole time you are there, you are somewhat unaware that you are in the middle of the biggest, most industrialised city in Scotland. In that hour, or however long you may spend there, you feel removed from it all. Like somehow you are not part of this city but simply observing it. You feel on top of the world. Untouchable.
It is safe to say that I, without a shadow of a doubt, have now found my place of sanctuary in the fast paced city that sometimes overwhelms my little old country bumpkin self. City life more often than I like to admit gets a little overwhelming and I feel like I'm being swallowed up by this face paced world that I don't belong in. To me the Necropolis is peace. It is quiet. It is a place to escape and just think. To take some time out and when I walk back out those gates, feel grounded and ready to take on the city again.
