Glasgow can trace its origins to a prehistoric fording point on the River Clyde. It was religion that eventually propelled Glasgow to prominence. By the 11^th century it had one of Scotland’s largest bishoprics, for which it built the mighty Glasgow Cathedral in 13^th century. This helped seal Glasgow’s 18^th century fortunes, when its merchants ran colonial tobacco, cotton and sugar operations in the Americas.

Military shipbuilding ensured Glasgow flourished in the early 20^th century until post-war peace and global economic change caused a hard-hitting decline in heavy industries. A corner was slowly turned in the 1980s as the city diversified into financial and insurance services and refocused itself around redevelopment projects.

• Glasgow Cathedral. One of the few churches to survive the Reformation by adapting itself to Protestant worship, Glasgow Cathedral is a rare example of an original 13^th-century church. It was built on the site of a chapel found by the city’s patron saint, St Mungo, a 6^th century bishop.
• Provand’s Lordship. Built as a canon’s house in 1471, this is now Glasgow’s oldest surviving house. Its low ceilings and wooded furniture create a vivid impression of life in a wealthy 15^th-century house-hold. Mary, Queen of Scots may have stayed here when she visited Glasgow in 1566.
• Glasgow Science Center. The centerpiece of an impressive 75 pounds million millennium project, Glasgow’s glass and titanium Science Centre is located on the south bank of the River Clyde. The center has three huge floors full of interactive puzzles, optical illusions, scientific and craft areas aimed at entertaining and educating kids. Big hits include mind control games and Madagascan hissing cockroaches. There is also an IMEX theatre that projects gigantic 3D and 2D films.
• Riverside Museum. This landmark attraction sits on the Clyde in a dramatic zinc-paneled building designed by architect Zaha Hadid. Focused on transport and its social impact on the city, the museum is crammed with Scottish-built locomotives and road vehicles of all styles and vintages, testament to Glasgow’s past manufacturing supremacy.