Description of the attraction
Edinburgh Castle is a fortress that sits at the top of Castle Hill in the center of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. It is the main tourist attraction of the city; more than a million people visit the castle every year.
History of Edinburgh Castle
Archaeological finds indicate that people lived on this hill as early as the 9th century BC, but it is quite possible that earlier settlements also existed here. In 600 A. D. and later the British epics mention the existence of a fortress in these places - probably, we are talking about a fortress on the Castle Hill. The castle was mentioned already in the 11th-12th centuries; under King Malcolm III, the castle became a royal residence. Here his wife Margaret of Scotland died of grief, who was later recognized as a saint. In memory of her, her son King David I builds the chapel of St. Margaret. It was David I who transferred the capital of the Kingdom of Scotland from Dunfermline to Edinburgh. In 1139-1150. at Edinburgh Castle, meetings of the Scottish nobility and high clergy are held, which can be called the first meetings of the Scottish Parliament. The buildings of this time were made mainly of wood, and to our time only one building of the 12th century has survived, this is the chapel of St. Margaret.
For many centuries, Scotland has been at war with England, defending its independence. Many times Edinburgh Castle was besieged, taken by storm or with the help of traitors, destroyed and rebuilt and fortified. At the end of the 15th century, Holyrood Palace was built, which became the royal residence, and the castle was assigned the role of a military fortification and a prison. In 1660, Charles II, King of England and Scotland, gave an order to place a regular army in the castle, and until 1923 a military garrison was permanently located in the castle. Only in 1905, the castle was removed from the Ministry of Defense, although part of the castle and the chapel of St. Margaret were opened to the public already in the middle of the 19th century. Since then, interest in the castle has only grown, every year more and more tourists come here, and this is not surprising. The castle looks like an illustration for fairy tales and adventure novels. The castle is accessed by Royal Mile Street, the central street in the Old City that connects the castle and Holyrood Palace.
The main attraction of the Scottish capital
Located on a high mountain, the castle dominates the city and its surroundings. There are cliffs on three sides, and the only hike to the castle is from the eastern side. The inner space is divided into three "courtyards", which are connected by a gate. In the Sredny Dvor, the Kolodeznaya Tower protects the source of drinking water - the most important value for the fortress located on the top of the cliff. The War Museum of Scotland is also located here. The Upper Courtyard houses the Chapel of Saint Margaret and the famous Mons Meg cannon.
The Scottish Crown and the Skunk Stone, the legendary stone on which the kings of Scotland were crowned, are kept in Edinburgh Castle. In 1296, this stone was taken to England and installed in the base of the throne, on which the kings of England and then of Great Britain were crowned, up to Elizabeth II. By her order in 1996, the stone was returned to Edinburgh Castle, and thousands of people stood along the Royal Mile, welcoming its return.
On a note
- Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh
- Official website:
- Opening hours: daily from April 1 to September 30, 9.30-18.00 (entrance until 17.00), from October 1 to March 31, 9.30-17.00 (entrance until 16.00).
- Tickets: adult - 16.00 pounds sterling, children (5-15 years old) - 9, 60 pounds sterling, concessionary - 12, 80 pounds sterling.
