Brig o' Balgownie, Medieval stone bridge in Aberdeen, Scotland.
The Brig o' Balgownie is a medieval stone bridge in Aberdeen built from granite and sandstone, with a single gothic arch crossing the River Don. The structure rests on sturdy stone piers and shows the solid craftsmanship typical of medieval bridge building.
Construction began in the late 13th century under Richard Cementarius and was completed in 1320 while Scotland faced pressure from English expansion. The bridge represented a major undertaking during this troubled period of conflict and resistance.
The name comes from the nearby village of Balgownie, reflecting how important this river crossing was to the community. Today visitors walk across the same stones that once carried carts and people between different parts of the settlement.
The bridge is easily reached and located upstream from the modern Bridge of Don, making it simple to find after a short walk. The approach takes you through pleasant riverside area where you can view the structure from several angles.
The gothic arch rises about 17 meters (56 feet) above the water at low tide, showing impressive medieval engineering without modern equipment. This height ratio allowed the bridge to handle changing water levels and flooding for centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
