See the largest collection of medieval coins in Europe
Amazingly more medieval coin hoards have been found in Aberdeen
than any other city in Europe. See them at the Aberdeen Art
Gallery.
During your city break in the sparkling
Granite City, visit the
Aberdeen Art Gallery to see the city’s three
medieval coin hoards. The impressive collections contain nearly
20,000 silver pennies of the reigns of Edward I, II and III between
1272 and 1377. No other city in Europe can claim the same
concentration of hoards.
One of hoards was discovered as early
as the 18th century in the Upperkirkgate,
however, the other two were found during the construction of
the St
Nicholas Centre in 1983-84. Also on display
alongside the coins for the first time is a selection of artefacts
from the late 12th century.
After discovering the city’s medieval history,
head to ‘Old Aberdeen’, in the north of the city to experience a
real taste of what life was like in days gone by as you explore the
cobbled streets, historic buildings and striking architecture.
Provost Skene’s House is a prime example of an
elegant 16th century town house which displays an attractive series
of period room settings that recapture the graceful furnishings of
earlier times. Including a suite of 17th century rooms, a Regency
Parlour and an Edwardian Nursery, you can also view a unique series
of religious paintings and discover more about archaeology, coins
and local history.
Other historic buildings in Old Aberdeen
include the late 15th century King's
College Chapel. One of only two surviving Scottish
medieval churches with open crown spires, the chapel has an
impressive collection of medieval woodcarvings.
Meanwhile, St Machar’s
Cathedral has many intriguing architectural details
including an abundance of colourful stained glass windows, while a
visit to the
Cruickshank Botanical Gardens this autumn will reward
your senses with a riot of seasonal colours right
in the heart of the oldest part of the city.
Find more surprises in Aberdeen.
