Constructions of new gun batteries, such as Dury’s Battery, and new barracks began to house the many soldiers and officers. Defenses were rebuilt and strengthened due to the Jacobite Risings of 1689–1746. After the 1650s, it became a significant military base and remains one today. We will follow the “tour” with even more details of the rich and, at times, violent and tragic history the castle characters tell.įollowing the ‘Union of the Crowns’ of 1603, Edinburgh Castle only had rare visits by the reigning monarch. He became King of Scotland at 13 months old and united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603.Įdinburgh Castle has a long history with an astounding cast of characters. Mary gave birth to James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566. James IV died at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, fighting English forces sent by his brother-in-law, King Henry VIII of England.Įntering the Royal Palace are the gilded initials MAH – for the infamous and romanticized Mary Queen of Scots and her second husband, Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley. But the King had little time to enjoy his new addition. The Great Hall, completed in 1511 for King James IV, hosted grand banquets and state events. St Margaret’s Chapel still hosts weddings and christenings today. The chapel her son, King David I, built in her honor is Edinburgh’s oldest building. Queen Margaret (who was anointed a saint) died here in 1093. There are places to stop and sit along the way the steps narrow at the top, which can be tricky to negotiate.Įdinburgh Castle was home to kings and queens for many centuries. Do the climb gradually, as there are 68 statues to admire and study along your path. Don’t worry about the number of steps, though. It is a 287-step climb to the top of the Scott Monument, but the stunning views make it all worth it. This wonderful gothic spire memorial is in honor of the writer Sir Walter Scott. The most well-known and visible monument in this area is the Scott Monument. The Royal Scottish Academy and Scottish National Gallery are great visits for art lovers if you continue further. The smaller East Prince Street Gardens, with its own monuments, is also lovely. The beautifully landscaped gardens have many impressive statues and monuments to enjoy. ![]() ![]() These sights include a 19th-century Ross Fountain and Ross Band Stand, where you can sit outside for live summer music. The North SideĪs you head East on the Northside of the castle and walk through the Prince’s Street Gardens, there are many more treats to see. Make sure you look up before you leave this location has incredible views of Edinburgh Castle, which is well worth a few photographs. This Renaissance, Baroque-style church built in the last decade of the 1800s has a long history and beauty you will treasure. Another great place for calm and reflection is The Parish Church of St Cuthbert, which sits beside St. It is a peaceful place to calm yourself from the hustle and bustle of big city life. John’s Church, built in 1816, is a beautiful Neo-gothic style church with some modern updates in recent years. Two churches along this route are well worth a visit. Nothing says magic like Harry Potter, so walking streets full of colorful shops sets the magical mood filmed in those beloved movies.Īnother option is to start on the Northwest side before heading through the street and up to the castle. ![]() On the castle’s east side is the perfect area to make your way through the city and up to Castle Hill, lovely Victoria Street.
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