St. Machar's Cathedral: A Treasure in Aberdeen's Medieval Old Town

Besides Aberdeen beach, which I found very interesting with all the activity that reminded me of the way Martin Parr captured life at the British coast, there's also the old town. The old town reflects the city’s medieval past and is home to Aberdeen University and the noteworthy St. Machar's Cathedral. St. Machar's Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Aberdeen. It dates back to 580 AD when St. Machar, a disciple of St. Columba, is believed to have founded a church on the site. St. Machar’s efforts were part of a broader wave of Irish missionary activity in Scotland during the early medieval period, which played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout the region. The current structure was started in 1136 and was completed in its original form in the 16th century. The cathedral is a great example of Scottish medieval architecture, with its fortified west front and unique granite construction. Inside, you'll find a flat wooden ceiling decorated with heraldic shields, which were added in the 16th century – St. Machar’s Cathedral, Aberdeen , Scotland, UK