The 12 Most Impressive Buildings in Aberdeen

St. Machar’s Cathedral Church

There has been a church on the site of St. Machar’s Cathedral since the sixth century, when St. Machar, a follower of St. Columba started preaching at the spot. The present building mostly dates from the medieval period, with the oldest parts dating from the 12^th century. A peek inside is rewarded with the stunning interior, especially the beautiful wooden heraldic ceiling.

St. Machar’s Cathedral, 18 The Chanonry, Aberdeen

St. Machar’s Interior | © Keith Laverack/Flickr | © Keith Laverack/Flickr

Provost Skene’s House

The oldest private house in Aberdeen, with parts dating from 1545. The building is named after Provost George Skene, who bought it in 1669; a provost is similar to a mayor, and the title has been in use in Aberdeen since the 13^th century. The house is tall, with the small windows that typified the period. Make sure you spot the gargoyle on the corner.

Provost Skene’s House, Guestrow, Aberdeen

Provost Skene’s House | © Denisbin/Flickr | © Denisbin/Flickr

St. Andrew’s Cathedral

St. Andrew’s Cathedral is the seat of the Episcopalian Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney. Designed by the renowned local architect Archibald Simpson, who designed much of the ‘Granite City’ you see today, the façade is of sandstone (much to Simpson’s annoyance, who did not want this cheaper stone!), with the rest constructed from granite. Although impressive from the outside, it is worth looking inside and, if you can, visiting when there is a performance by one of the many choirs or orchestras that sing and play here, as the acoustics are simply exquisite.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 28 King Street, Aberdeen

A special place 🏡 #StAndrews #Cathedral #Aberdeen #Architecture

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David Welch Winter Gardens

Something slightly different, a series of buildings made from steel and lots and lots of glass! These indoor gardens in Duthie Park are among the largest in Europe and, while the plants they house are undoubtedly the star attraction, it is definitely worth taking some time to study the splendid architecture. The gardens themselves include a ‘corridor of perfumes’, Tropical House, Arid House, and a Japanese Garden, among others.

Duthie Park, Polmuir Road, Aberdeen

David Welch Winter Gardens, #Aberdeen #duthiepark #botanicalgardens #indoorgarden #glassceiling #davidwelchwintergardens

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Aberdeen Music Hall

Another of Archibald Simpson’s designs, and opened in 1822 as the County Assembly Rooms, the venue was altered and added to in 1859 and reopened as a music hall. Currently undergoing a multi-million pound renovation, this will ensure that this remarkable building lasts for many years yet. Charles Dickens, Paul Robeson and Emile Sandé have all performed here. The stone the building is crafted from may look familiar to those who know London, as it is an Aberdeenshire granite also used in Trafalgar Square and the Thames Embankment.

Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen

Music Hall, Aberdeen | © Tom Bastin/Flickr

The Kirk of St. Nicholas Uniting

A church has stood on this site since at least the 12^th century and, as with many of the church buildings in the UK, St. Nicholas has portions from many different eras, including parts of the 12^th century church, and 18^th and 19^th century rebuilding. As well as the impressive architecture itself, the church has many medieval effigies and late medieval woodwork. To Aberdonians, this church is known as the ‘Mither Kirk’ (Mother Church).

St. Nicholas Kirk, Union Street, Aberdeen

The Kirk of St. Nicholas Uniting, Seen From Correction Wynd | © _aik/Flickr | © _aik/Flickr

King’s College Chapel

An absolute must-see, this late 15^th century building features an iconic crown tower and the most complete medieval church interior in Scotland. The chapel is the centrepiece of the university, but there are many other fine university buildings on the site, including Elphinstone Hall and the Quadrangle. A visit to Old Aberdeen is not complete without looking at these buildings.

King’s College, Old Aberdeen

King’s College, Old Aberdeen | © Verino77/Flickr | © Verino77/Flickr

New Town House

As with His Majesty’s Theatre, this is actually three interesting buildings all next to one another. Situated close to the end of Union Street, Aberdeen Town House was designed in a Flemish-Gothic style in order to acknowledge the long history of trade between the city and the Lowlands of Europe. A stunning building, it is made even more fascinating by being attached to the 17^th century gaol, Aberdeen’s Tolbooth. This is now a museum, which is well worth a visit. The final building of the three was originally a bank, but is now a pub named after the original architect and no prizes for guessing this is Archibald Simpson! The building has four sturdy columns, a grand entrance, and a famous statue of Ceres on the roof.

Aberdeen Town House, Broad Street, Aberdeen

New Town House | © John Lord/Flickr | © John Lord/Flickr