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The Second City of the Empire Has Many Thrilling Structures to Investigate

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Glasgow earned the title of Second City of the Empire from Queen Victoria, owed largely to its success in industry and global trading. And that wealth lured fine people needing fine offices and homes. The city fathers needed grand public buildings too. Glasgow is very rich in architecture from these prosperous times.

But there's much more. The post-war rebuilding aside, there has been much major new build with a modern twist in Glasgow since. No surprise then when Glasgow won the honour to host City of Architecture in 1999. The host project, The Lighthouse, still breathes life into the city's passion for good architecture in its growth.

The city and its tourism site both also keep the flag flying for the best architecture, old and new. Go have a look.

Here at Top Secret Glasgow, we'll focus on some of our favourites and give our spin to these must-see shrines to the humble brick and girder.

To kick things off let's have a look at one of the best known father's of architecture (and design), Charles Rennie Mackintosh. We're working on a larger feature on dear old Toshie but, for now, have a look at four of his rather special buildings here in his home of Glasgow.

Enjoy "building" your perfect day...

Uncover the best Glasgow has to offer by clicking through our top (secret) list below of special places... classics... surprises... all loved by locals.

Every perky file bursts with the must-know info about each place to help you plan your trip... why should you go?... where is it?... how to get there?... when is it open?... how to book and get in touch?... and much more.

Our community buzzes with shared stories and photos about these top places too - go have a look, and even grab your own page about your favourites.

Nominations for the Top Secret Awards 2008 are now open - so make your vote count.

And with so many ways to keep-in-touch you'll be the first to know when the big news breaks on all of the places you love most...

Glasgow School of Art

Glasgow School of Art; Stunning Archtecture from the Best

Glasgow School of Art still attracts the best talent from around the world, and is a lasting gift from one of Glasgow's most loved sons

House For An Art Lover

House for an Art Lover; An Inspired Design By Mackintosh

House for an Art Lover reminds us of the true genius that was Charles Rennie Mackintosh, built in Bellahouston Park 100 years after it was designed

Kibble Palace

Kibble Palace: Just Right for a Stroll and Look at Nature's Best

Kibble Palace in Glasgow's botanic gardens is proud home to many gorgeous plants, and hosts concerts and talks with some drama in this perfect spot

Queens Cross Church

Queens Cross Church: Mackintosh's Only Scottish Church Impresses

Queens Cross Church is easy to miss in Garscube Road, sitting squat with no steeple, but inside is a marvel of the drama of Art Nouveau stained glass

Scotland Street School

Scotland Street School: Step Back in Time with a Touch of Class

Scotland Street School, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, inspires visitors with restored classrooms, and tests them with fun games

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