Edinburgh is an ancient bastion shrouded in fog and legend. It has become the site of grandiose historical events more than once. The memory of the legendary fighter for independence William Wallace - "the brave heart" is still preserved here, images of the beautiful chivalric novel "Ivanhoe" live in the harsh castles, and the stone Walter Scott pensively leafs through the book against the background of Gothic domes.
The unbroken spirit of Edinburgh grows stronger in the shrill melodies of the Scottish bagpipes and makes the traveler dive deeper into the layer of time. Through the centuries, prominent Scots in the National Portrait Gallery gaze at tourists, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey are silent witnesses of the church's former power, and the walls of Edinburgh Castle still remember the last Scottish monarch.
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What to see and where to go in Edinburgh?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a collective name for several streets located in the center of the Scottish capital. Their total length is approximately 1800 meters, which corresponds to the size of the Scottish mile. A large number of attractions are concentrated here. The mile starts at Edinburgh Castle Square, runs through High Street and Lawn Market, and ends at Holyrood Palace.
Edinburgh castle
The ancient residence of Scottish monarchs, which is mentioned in documents from the XI-XII centuries. As a result of a long-term war with England, the fortress was destroyed more than once, after which it was rebuilt again. In the 15th century, the residence was moved to Holyrood Palace, and Edinburgh Castle was used as a prison. In the 17th century, by order of the English monarch Charles II, an arsenal was placed in the fortress. It has been open to visitors since the 19th century.
Holyrood palace
Official residence of British monarchs in Scotland. The palace was erected in the 15th century under the Scottish rulers, later it was rebuilt under the English monarchs, as Scotland lost its independence. By the beginning of the 18th century, the building fell into disrepair, only under George IV they began to restore it. Since the 20s. XX century Holyrood Palace becomes a residence where official events are held.
Holyrood abbey
The abbey was built in the 12th century under King David I. Several Scottish rulers were crowned here. Also buried on the territory of the abbey are David II, James II and Jacob V. In the 16th century, as a result of the spread of the ideas of the Reformation, the monastery ceased to support the Catholic tradition and adopted a new teaching. In the 18th century, the facade of the main building collapsed, and they did not begin to restore it. The ruins complex is now a protected historical monument.
Craigmillar Castle
An early 15th century castle, believed to have been built by one of the Craigmillar barons. The fortress underwent several major expansions in the 16th century. Queen Mary Stuart has repeatedly stayed at the castle. Throughout the XVIII and XIX centuries. the building gradually fell into disrepair. In the middle of the 20th century, it was transferred to the state, after which some premises were put in order and opened for tourists.
Dead End Mary King
An underground street within the Royal Mile, steeped in many legends. One of them says that all the infected were brought here during the plague epidemic, which is why a "city of the dead" was formed on the territory of the street and adjacent quarters. In some house, a little girl suffering from the plague was even walled up alive. Mary King's cul-de-sac was found underground due to the construction of a new building for the city authorities in the 18th century. In 2003, the complex of streets was excavated and opened to tourists.
Scottish Parliament Building
The Scottish Parliament ceased to exist at the beginning of the 18th century, when the union of England and Scotland was declared. For nearly 300 years, local patriots have demanded the restoration of the national assembly. In 1997, a referendum was held and the Scottish Parliament was reconvened. The new building for the revived legislative body was erected according to the project of the Catalan E. Miralles.
Georgian house
Residential building of the 18th-19th centuries, located on Charlotte Square. The building was designed by architect J. Craig in the best traditions of Georgian architecture. From the middle of the 18th century in the capital of Scotland there was so little space that it was decided to build a New City next to the old Edinburgh. The Georgian House is one of the first structures erected as a result of the expansion of the capital of Scotland.
Cathedral of Saint Egidius
The cathedral is the main temple of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, it was named after the patron saint of lepers and the crippled - St. Giles (St. Egidius). The building was erected in the XIV century. The temple is distinguished by its massive and gloomy architecture, but the graceful Victorian stained glass windows that adorn the main facade save the situation. Inside the cathedral there is the Chapel of the Thistle, where the initiation into members of the order of the same name takes place.
Greyfriars Kirk Church
The temple is within the Royal Mile. It was erected at the beginning of the 17th century on the site of a Franciscan monastery. Greyfriars Kirk became the first church in Edinburgh to be built after the victory of the Reformation. There is a cemetery near the temple, where the earliest burials began in the 16th century during the existence of the Catholic abbey. The church is the oldest structure outside Old Edinburgh.
National Museum of Scotland
The collection was formed as a result of the merger of the Royal Museum and the Museum of Antiquities of Scotland. The exposition is located on the territory of two buildings, one was built in 1998, the other is an example of Victorian architecture of the 19th century. The museum exhibits archaeological finds, items belonging to the heritage of national and world culture, natural science exhibits and much more.
National Gallery of Scotland
An art gallery that houses and exhibits a collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. The building of the museum is located near the Royal Academy of Sciences, it was built in a classical style. In addition to the exhibition halls, on the territory of the National Gallery there is a library with archival documents and valuable books of the 13th-19th centuries.
National Portrait Gallery
The basis of the exposition of the National Portrait Gallery was the private collection of the Earl of Buchan, who collected portraits of famous Scots. The museum was organized at the end of the 19th century with funds from local philanthropist J. Ritchie. The building for the gallery in the neo-Gothic style was erected according to the project of R. Anderson. The collection consists of portraits of kings, writers, scientists, statesmen and national heroes.
Scottish Whiskey Heritage Center
A museum dedicated to Scotland's most famous and revered national drink, whiskey. The exposition will tell about the history of the drink and reveal some of the secrets of its preparation. Due to its incredible popularity, the museum is open during holidays and weekends. During the excursion, tourists will be able to see the process of making whiskey and learn how to distinguish the varieties of the drink, even without tasting.
National Gallery of Modern Art
The collection is housed in a 19th century historic building, built in the neoclassical style and originally serving as a school.The gallery exhibits interesting and relevant works by contemporary artists. There are also paintings by recognized masters - Picasso, Brack, Matisse, Warhol, Nicholson and other authors. There is a garden near the museum building, where you can see several interesting sculptures.
Museum "Our dynamic Earth"
Science and entertainment center and museum, whose exposition is based on modern technologies. The excursion begins with landing in a "time machine" that takes a person 14 billion years ago during the Big Bang, which resulted in the Universe. Gradually, the entire history of the formation of stars, the solar system, our planet, the origin of life and evolution passes by the viewer.
Royal yacht "Britannia"
A 1953 yacht designed for the current Queen of Britain, Elizabeth II. Since 1997, the royal family has not used the ship, so the Britannia was moored at the dock in Edinburgh. Now the yacht is used as a museum. Visitors can inspect the living quarters, dining room, ceremonial halls. Compared to modern luxury yachts, the vessel looks rather modest from the inside, despite its status as a former royal residence.
Scott Monument
A grandiose neo-Gothic monument dedicated to the writer Walter Scott, built in the 19th century by J. Kemp. The monument was built of sandstone, so over time, its surface darkened. In the 1990s. there was a need for restoration. It was made using the same material used in the construction. The monument resembles the shape of a hollow bell tower with a sharp spire. Inside it is a statue of the writer.
Fort Bridge
Railroad bridge over the Firth of Forth linking Edinburgh and the Fife area. The structure is over 2.5 km long and is made entirely of steel. The bridge was built over 7 years; several dozen people died during the work. The Fort Bridge required 10 times more metal than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge is supported by three powerful pillars over 100 meters in height.
Edinburgh zoo
The zoo was founded at the beginning of the 20th century at the initiative of the Royal Zoological Society. From the very beginning, natural habitats were created for animals, whenever possible. Now in European zoos this is a common and obligatory practice, but almost 100 years ago it was a fairly progressive view of the maintenance of animals. Penguins became one of the first inhabitants of the Edinburgh Zoo.
Princes Street Gardens
A popular public park in the heart of Edinburgh, home to many national festivals, concerts and other events. The gardens were created as a result of the expansion of the capital and the drainage of Lough Nor at the beginning of the 19th century. The park has a fountain, a concert venue, a flower clock, several monuments and the Eye of Edinburgh, a 33-meter Ferris wheel.
Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh
The botanical garden was founded in 1670 by the scientists R. Sibbald and E. Balfoer as a vegetable garden with medicinal plants. In the 18th and 19th centuries. he moved to a new location twice. The garden covers an area of 25 hectares and includes: palm greenhouse, rockery, heather garden, arboretum, palm greenhouse, Chinese garden, ecological and demonstration departments.
Portobello beach
The beach area is east of Edinburgh, 20 minutes from the city. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a popular seaside resort was located here. The water temperature of Firth - of - Forth is not conducive to comfortable swimming even in warm weather, however, many people come to Portobello Beach to sunbathe, have a picnic or drink a pint of beer in the many pubs.
Calton Hill
The city hill, on which there is an observation deck and several historical buildings: a monument to Admiral Nelson, the Acropolis, a monument in honor of the philosopher D. Stewart and others. The hill was located outside Edinburgh until the middle of the 19th century. First, a prison was built here, then the building of the Scottish government appeared. At the foot of Calton Hill is Holyrood Palace.
Arthur's throne
A plateau on the top of a mountain, located in the territory of Holyrood Park. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of Edinburgh. The North Beach Bridge, the new Houses of Parliament, Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile and other attractions open to the eye. The observation deck can be accessed via a stone staircase. Arthur's Throne is the highest point in the Scottish capital.
