St Machar's Cathedral
St Machar's Cathedral, Cathedral and historic site in Old Aberdeen, Scotland
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Aberdeen and its region feature a series of sites that testify to several centuries of Scottish history. The city contains religious buildings such as the 14th-century St. Machar Cathedral, cultural institutions like the neoclassical Music Hall from 1822, and the Maritime Museum, as well as green...
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