Municipal Buildings And Tolbooth, Castle Street, Aberdeen, Category A listed municipal complex in Aberdeen, Scotland.
The Municipal Buildings and Tolbooth on Castle Street is a three-story structure with a prominent tower and soaring spire, constructed from refined granite with ornate decorative details. The complex comprises several connected sections, with the eastern portion known as the Tolbooth now serving partly as a museum.
The Tolbooth was constructed between 1615 and 1627, initially serving as both a prison and town hall in one building. The structure later expanded into the present Municipal Buildings complex to accommodate the city's growing administrative needs.
The building has long served as the center of local administration and continues to host the people who make decisions for Aberdeen. You can observe the constant flow of officials and visitors, reflecting its ongoing role in the city's governance.
The building sits centrally on Castle Street and is easily reached on foot, with clear entrances visible from the street. The Tolbooth museum section in the eastern area is open to visitors during certain hours, so check current opening times before your visit.
The granite used to build the structure comes from local quarries and showcases Aberdeen's mastery in stonework, with sixteen bays and ornate window decorations across the facade. This material gives the building its distinctive gray tone and directly connects it to the region's local building traditions.
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