Old Town, Aberdeen

St. Machar's Cathedral is believed to occupy the site of a small Celtic chapel erected by St Machar in 581. The cathedral which succeeded it was founded in 1136, although the earliest work in the present building dates only from the 14th century. The present building was begun in 1378 and completed in 1552. Note especially the striking towers on the West front, with sandstone spires dating from 1518-30; also the 16th century wooden ceiling painted with coats of arms.

The Catholic King's College in the High Street received its charter from King James IV. This seat of learning was founded in 1495 by Bishop William Elphinstone. Union with the Protestant Marischal College followed in 1860. The latter was a center for the natural sciences, while the former was an arts stronghold. One of the college's identifying features is its huge tower (1633) and an elegant stone dome. Apart from St Giles, it is the only remaining dome of its kind in Scotland. A stone replica of the imperial crown of Charlemagne sits on top of the dome. The oak choir stalls and the wooden ceiling in the chapel (ca. 1505) are preserved in their original form. Portraits of the Stuart monarchs, similar to those around the Mercat Cross, can be seen here, but they are carved out of wood.

The University, founded in 1494, is located in the area north of King's College, known as Old Aberdeen.

A walk through Seaton Park down to Brig o'Balgownie is well worth the effort. This bridge, the oldest in Scotland, was built on the orders of Robert Bruce and was restored in 1607. From 1329 and for the next 500 years, it served as the Don's main crossing point. Lord Byron, who went to school in Aberdeen for a short time, referred affectionately to the single span bridge in the 10th chapter of his "Don Juan".