Aberdeen is a city in the northeast of Scotland, where the Dee and Don rivers meet the North Sea. The city is a major port and home to the offshore petroleum industry. It also attracts a large international population. The city’s grey-stone buildings are one of the main attractions, and you can visit the 19th-century Marischal College, which is now the city council’s headquarters.
St Machar’s Cathedral
St Machar’s Cathedral, or Old Machar as it is often called, is a place of worship in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is located in the city’s former burgh of Old Aberdeen. Although it was formerly a cathedral, St Machar’s is now considered a high kirk and no longer serves as the seat of a bishop.
The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages and was the seat of the diocese of Aberdeen. While the crossing tower collapsed in 1688, the aisled nave still stands. There are several fine late medieval wall-tombs inside the transepts. The most ornate is the one commemorating the Bishop Gavin Dunbar. It has beautiful ornate carving and an effigy of the Bishop.
The cathedral was built on the site of a Celtic chapel by St. Machar, a follower of St. Columba. He founded the church around 580. It is believed that St. Machar may have chosen the site of the church as it is surrounded by a Celtic cross.
Another place to visit in Aberdeen is the Brig o’Dee bridge, which dates back to the 1520s. It is also home to the Brig o’Balgownie, or the Bridge of Don. This medieval bridge was originally built by Robert the Bruce, and was restored by Lord Byron in 1607. Lord Byron studied in Aberdeen and the Brig was mentioned in Don Juan.
The Cathedral Church is one of the oldest buildings in Aberdeen. The arhitectural style of this church isn’t consistent, and shows the various styles of the past. The spires on the west front date back to the 15-16th century. The cathedral also has beautiful stained glass windows.
St Machar’s Botanical Garden
When planning a visit to Aberdeen, Scotland, don’t overlook the city’s many historical landmarks. Aberdeen is home to a number of protected historical buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 16th century. From ancient monuments to picturesque parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. One of the most important historic buildings in the city is the Cathedral Church of St. Machar, which is said to be built on the site of a small Celtic chapel that St. Machar built in AD 581. Construction on this landmark started in the fourteenth century and it was completed in 1552.
There’s also the Aberdeen Museum, where you can see the city’s early history. This museum is home to a rotating collection of exhibits on the history of Scotland and its people. It’s also home to the University of Aberdeen, which has most of its campus located in Old Aberdeen. Many of the buildings date back to the middle ages, so it’s worth stopping by to see what’s inside.
Another historic landmark is the city’s pink-colored castle. A drive from downtown Aberdeen, the castle is a picturesque destination. It dates back to 1457, when it was owned by the Mortimer family. The castle’s pink hue is distinctive, and it’s said to have inspired the Walt Disney castle motif.
Aberdeen’s Maritime Museum, located in the town’s historic district, is another historic site worth visiting. Housed in the 16th century Provost Ross’s House, it features excellent collections of paintings, models, and photos. Exhibits here range from early whale-hunters to the famous Aberdeen clippers. The museum is free to visit and has a small gift shop.
University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum
The University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum is a place for zoologists and animal enthusiasts to go and spend some time. This museum has several zoological displays, including taxidermy and bones. There is also a Complimentary Museum, which features many zoological displays.
This museum is owned by the University of Aberdeen. It is located at the northwest corner of the university and houses specimens of animals from around the world. The museum also hosts regular educational programs and lectures. It’s free to visit and is open to the public. The museum has received 4.3 star ratings from visitors.
The museum has a rich history dating back to 1495, which means it’s a great place to go for a family outing or a school trip. Many family days out and school trips have taken place here, but it was recently closed during a coronavirus outbreak. But the museum is back and will be hosting special tours during the autumn history festival.
The Zoology Museum is home to the largest international zoological collection in the north of Scotland. It features skeletal material, study skins, and taxidermy, as well as models of animals. It is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and admission is free. You can also arrange for a school or group visit through the Aberdeen Biodiversity Centre.
Union Street & Square
Aberdeen’s Union Street & Square is home to some of the city’s best shopping and dining. It has a diverse range of shops, restaurants, cinemas and cafes. The area is also a hub for local culture and entertainment. 139 Union Street offers six recently refurbished apartments located in the heart of the city. These units feature high ceilings and abundant natural light. They are located in close proximity to the Merchant Quarter and Marischal College.
The Royal Bank of Scotland, located at the central junction, has paired giant Corinthian columns and a square plan. The monumental Classical style developed in the early 20th century continues the Classical Aberdeen tradition. Its oversized proportion and metal panels between the first and ground floor windows are striking. The Union Street and Square were originally planned as a major thoroughfare in the nineteenth century, and the engineering required for its construction was significant.
The plan includes a covered shopping mall and a canopy, which would extend from Market Street all the way to Bridge Street. The cost of these changes has yet to be determined. The scheme also includes a new entrance for the railway station. In addition, a covered link between the Trinity and Union Square shopping centres would link them together.
Dunnottar Castle
If you’re planning a trip to Aberdeen, Dunnottar Castle is one of the places you should visit. This grand structure is just 1.5 miles from the city, and it can be reached via a steep stairway. There’s also a museum and dungeon, and the views are absolutely breathtaking.
The castle was built between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries. It has a 1.4 acre headland, and the buildings are spread across three sides, two of which are pounded by the North Sea. The fourth side was originally a peninsula, but was later joined to land to create a cliff pathway. The path is accessible via a narrow tunnel, but it does require 200 steps.
The castle was first built by the Picts, who used the site as a fortification. It is one of the oldest forts in Scotland. It was once used by St. Ninian, and the church remained there until the 12th century Viking raids destroyed it. The fortress was then rebuilt, and it was the 13th century that records the most violent events in its history.
One of the places to visit in Aberdeen is Dunnottar Castle, a ruined medieval castle on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea. The castle once belonged to one of the most powerful families in Scotland, the Earls Marischal. The castle was also visited by William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and the future King Charles II. There are also buses that run regularly from the A92 to the castle. Visitors can also take the steps up to the Stonehaven War Memorial to explore the castle on foot.
If you’re traveling on foot, Dunnottar Castle is one of the places you should visit in Aberdeen. It’s open all year and free of charge. Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours at the castle. Make sure to read the information panels and enjoy the beautiful views.
