Marischal College
The second-largest granite building in the world, with an elaborate Gothic Revival facade. It is the face of Aberdeen, the 'Silver City'.
Marischal College stands on Broad Street in the city centre. It was founded in 1593, and the main building and its distinctive Gothic Revival facade were completed in 1906. It is said to be the second-largest granite building in the world, after the Monastery of El Escorial in Madrid. Its grey-white granite is carved into dense spires that shimmer silver in sunlight, making it the most representative street scene of Aberdeen, the 'Silver City'. The building now houses the offices of Aberdeen City Council and is generally closed to visitors. Tourists mainly admire and photograph it from the square outside. The best angle is from the side of the Provost Skene's House across the way. It is about 3 minutes' walk from Union Street, and it can be combined with Provost Skene's House, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Castlegate Square.
Opening hours
Exterior visible all day
Nearby sights
- Provost Skene's House
- Kirk of St Nicholas
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum
- Union Street & Castlegate
- Aberdeen Art Gallery
- King's College & Old Aberdeen
- Duthie Park & David Welch Winter Gardens
- Aberdeen Beach