Travel Guide Aberdeen

Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland, after Glasgow and Edinburgh. It received its status as a royal burgh in the 12th century. It waited until the 19th century to develop, thanks to fishing, shipbuilding and granite extraction. It was at this time that it was adorned with the elegant architecture that we know. It was nicknamed Granite City and Silver City for the color of its facades, glistening in the sunlight, due in part to the architects Archibald Simpson and John Smith. Today, the city has found a new life in the exploitation of oil from the North Sea. It has two universities: Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495.On Union Street, the Town House is a superb example of Gothic Revival style from the 1870s and has one of the most elegant facades in the city. For religious heritage, the beautiful Kirk of St. Nicholas Church (12th, 15th and 18th centuries) and its cemetery can also be seen on Union Street. In Castlegate, the Mercat Cross monument (1686) is engraved with portraits of Scottish monarchs from James I to James VII. Heading north to the Old Aberdeen area, you'll see the 1495 King's College on College Bounds. Its 1509 chapel is worth a visit, as is the Old Town House. This is also where you can visit St Machar's Cathedral.