St Machar's Cathedral, Cathedral and historic site in Old Aberdeen, Scotland
St Machar's Cathedral is a granite church with twin spires standing on a high bank above the River Don in Old Aberdeen. The building displays Gothic architecture and contains heraldic shields, carved stonework, and historic graves within its walls and grounds.
The church was founded in 1131 when King David I moved the bishop's seat from Mortlach to this location. It replaced an earlier church that dated back to 580 and became a major religious center for the area over the following centuries.
The ceiling displays 48 heraldic shields from European kings, Scottish earls, and bishops of the 16th century. These coats of arms show the bonds between the church and the powerful people who supported it.
The cathedral is open daily and offers guided tours and a gift shop for visitors. The building has facilities to accommodate people with mobility challenges, making it accessible to all.
A portion of William Wallace, the Scottish freedom fighter, was buried within the cathedral after his execution in 1305. This connection links the church to one of the most defining moments in Scottish history.
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