Mercat Cross Aberdeen
Aberdeen's historic Mercat Cross, a 1686 merchant-built symbol of market rights and the city's original news hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Mercat Cross Aberdeen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Aberdeen's historic Mercat Cross, a 1686 merchant-built symbol of market rights and the city's original news hub.
"Wow! What a place to see. If you ever go to Aberdeen, never miss this place."
🚶♀️ Explore with an Audio Tour
Enhance your visit with a #voicemap audio tour to learn about hangings, witch trials, and more!
📸 Capture the Details
Don't forget to click some photos! The pigeons add to its pleasant beauty.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Elaborate Mercat Cross
Castlegate
A highly decorated medieval symbol of Aberdeen's market rights, built in 1686 by merchants.
Historical Proclamations Site
Castlegate
Once the city's news feed, where royal decrees and market news were read aloud.
Mary Queen of Scots Carving
Mercat Cross
Spot the carving of Mary Queen of Scots, a detail often highlighted on historical tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Aberdeen's Historic Heartbeat
Beyond the Stone: Exploring the Castlegate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore with an Audio Tour
Enhance your visit with a #voicemap audio tour to learn about hangings, witch trials, and more!
📸 Capture the Details
Don't forget to click some photos! The pigeons add to its pleasant beauty.
📍 Discover Nearby Gems
Visit St. Andrew's Cathedral and stroll down Union Street, Aberdeen's busy main street.
🏛️ Understand its History
It was the city's original news feed, announcing royal proclamations and market days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore with an Audio Tour
Enhance your visit with a #voicemap audio tour to learn about hangings, witch trials, and more!
📸 Capture the Details
Don't forget to click some photos! The pigeons add to its pleasant beauty.
📍 Discover Nearby Gems
Visit St. Andrew's Cathedral and stroll down Union Street, Aberdeen's busy main street.
🏛️ Understand its History
It was the city's original news feed, announcing royal proclamations and market days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Mercat Cross a beautiful and historically significant landmark in Aberdeen's Castlegate. Many appreciate its intricate design and its role as a symbol of the city's market rights. While some note the area can feel quiet or have vacant spaces, most agree it's a worthwhile stop for its historical context and photogenic qualities.
"Nice square to visit in Aberdeen. Definitely it is one of the many places which worth to visit. This medieval market cross symbol of Aberdeen's right to hold a market was built in 1686 by the city's guild of merchants when it became a Burgh of Barony.
Another points of interest nearby are Gordon Highlander statue and St. Andrew's Cathedral. A lot of pubs and a big shopping mall is very next to this square. You can say this is Aberdeen Trafalgar Square."
UK Photo Journey
"What a places to visit in Aberdeen, definitely it was one of the many awesome places i saw. This elaborate and highly decorated medieval symbol of Aberdeen's right to hold a market was built in 1686 by the city's guild of merchants.
Another interesting nearby landmark is St. Andrew's Cathedral. And be sure to also take a stroll down Union Street, Aberdeen's busy main street. it's a bustling street with plenty of shops, cafés, and shopping arcades.
Highly recommended to visit."
Patri Arteaga D
"Wow! What a place to see. If you ever go to Aberdeen, never miss this place. And don't forget to click some photos there. Birds I think pigeons there add to its pleasant beauty of this place. Its unique, hence never miss."
Omprakash Uttarkar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mercat Cross is located in the Castlegate, a central area of Aberdeen. It's easily accessible on foot from Union Street, the city's main thoroughfare. Public transport options are plentiful, with many bus routes stopping nearby.
While direct parking at the cross is limited, several car parks are available within a short walking distance in the city center. Consider using the multi-story car parks off Union Street.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from Aberdeen train station to the Castlegate. You'll pass through the city center, making it a good opportunity to see more of Aberdeen.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Mercat Cross is an outdoor monument in a public square, so there are no tickets required to view it. You can visit anytime.
As it's an outdoor landmark, the Mercat Cross is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding shops and attractions will have their own operating hours.
There is no admission fee for the Castlegate area or the Mercat Cross itself. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Mercat Cross is in the Castlegate, a hub of activity. You can explore nearby St. Andrew's Cathedral, browse shops on Union Street, or enjoy a meal at one of the many pubs and cafes.
Absolutely! The intricate carvings and historical significance make it a great spot for photos. Pigeons often add to the charm.
Yes, audio tours are available, such as those on the #voicemap app, which cover the history of the Mercat Cross and the surrounding Castlegate area, including tales of witch trials and Mary Queen of Scots.
Historically, the Mercat Cross served as the city's primary announcement point for royal proclamations, market news, and even death sentences. It was the original news feed for Aberdeen.
The Castlegate is a generally safe and busy area of Aberdeen, especially during the day. As with any city center, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Castlegate and nearby Union Street are packed with dining options, from traditional pubs to cafes and international cuisine. You'll find plenty of choices to suit any taste.
Definitely. Union Street, just a short walk away, has numerous cafes and eateries perfect for a quick snack or coffee break.
📸 📸 Photography
Try capturing the full grandeur of the cross from a distance, then zoom in on the intricate carvings. The surrounding architecture also provides a great backdrop.
Visiting on a weekday morning can help you avoid the biggest crowds and get clearer shots. Early morning light can also be beautiful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby Union Street provides plenty of family-friendly dining options, and the general atmosphere of the city center makes it easy to combine a visit to the cross with a trip to a cafe or a browse in shops. Keep an eye out for the pigeons, which often entertain younger visitors.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk along Union Street and explore the surrounding areas on foot. You can find affordable eats in the numerous cafes and pubs nearby, and many of Aberdeen's other attractions are also within walking distance or easily accessible by public transport.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of the Mercat Cross
More than just a symbol of trade, the Mercat Cross served as Aberdeen's original public announcement board. Imagine crowds gathering in the Castlegate to hear royal proclamations, new laws, market day schedules, and even judicial sentences read aloud from its steps. It was the city's primary source of official news before the advent of modern media.
Today, while its function has changed, the Mercat Cross remains a focal point in the Castlegate, inviting visitors to connect with Aberdeen's rich history and the daily lives of its past inhabitants. Its elaborate design and central location make it a must-see for anyone interested in Scottish history.
Exploring the Castlegate and Surrounding Area
Just a stone's throw from the Mercat Cross, you'll find other points of interest. St. Andrew's Cathedral is a notable landmark, and the bustling Union Street, Aberdeen's main shopping artery, is easily accessible. This proximity makes the Castlegate a great base for a day of sightseeing and shopping.
For those who enjoy a deeper dive into local history, consider an audio tour. Apps like #voicemap offer tours that cover the Castlegate's past, including intriguing stories about witch trials and the presence of historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots, whose carving can be found on the Mercat Cross itself.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit