Old Parish Church

This magnificent building has been dubbed 'the people's cathedral', yet it is worth first exploring the much older churchyard for its incredible collection of Celtic monuments that make this site the oldest place of worship in Glasgow.

Dating from the 9th and 10th centuries, the 31 monuments constitute a unique body of medieval Scottish sculpture.

The intricate and tactile Celtic carving is relatively well preserved and the site includes flat cross slabs, free standing crosses and cross-slabs, a sarcophagus and five low, wide hogback monuments. After pondering the ancient stonework, the welcoming interior of Govan Old church is another world.

Under the soft lighting and stained glass windows by masters of the day, including CE Kempe, Burlison & Grylls, Clayton & Bell and Shrigley & Hunt, the red stone and polished wooden pews create a warm and inviting atmosphere.