Photo: Otter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Abernethy Round Tower is a historic building in Perth and Kinross, cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Read about its history and architecture, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Abernethy Round Tower
Abernethy Round Tower stands in the village of Abernethy, Perth and Kinross, and is about 22 metres high.
It is one of only two Irish-style round towers surviving in Scotland.
The tower is thought to date from around 1100 and likely served as the bell tower for a church that once stood beside it.
Historic Environment Scotland looks after the site, and visitors can climb to the top for views over the Firth of Tay.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Abernethy Round Tower
Abernethy was once an important Pictish religious and political centre. The village is also known as the setting for the Treaty of Abernethy, where Malcolm Canmore gave allegiance to William the Conqueror. The round tower likely marks a significant ecclesiastical site from the medieval period, though the details of its earlier religious history remain uncertain.
Architecture of Abernethy Round Tower
The tower is built in the Irish round tower tradition, roughly 22 metres tall and 5 metres wide, a style rarely found in Scotland outside this and one other example.
Worth knowing
A Pictish symbol stone, unearthed in Abernethy's School Wynd, was mounted on the outside face of the tower in the twentieth century.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Abernethy Round Tower
Nearest station: Perth Rail Station (6.4 miles)
Open all year round; check official website for current access information.
Places to visit near Abernethy Round Tower
Elcho Castle
View Elcho Castle on heritage mapBlack Hill Roman Camps
View Black Hill Roman Camps on heritage mapBranklyn Garden
View Branklyn Garden on heritage mapSt Serfs Church And Dupplin Cross
View St Serfs Church And Dupplin Cross on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Abernethy Round Tower there are 2 historic properties, including 1 historic building and 1 castle.
Within 10 miles of Abernethy Round Tower there are 11 historic properties, including 5 castles and 2 historic buildings, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of Abernethy Round Tower there are 44 historic properties, including 12 castles, 7 historic buildings and 7 historic sites, across Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Historic Houses sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near Abernethy Round Tower.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
One of only two Irish-style round towers in Scotland, with a Pictish stone built into its wall and links to a significant medieval treaty.
- Type
- historic building
- Location
- Perth and Kinross, Scotland
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