Capital Scotland. Edinburgh it is not just the capital of Scotland. It is one of the oldest (about 2000 years old) and fascinating cities in Europe, home to one of the most famous cultural festivals in the world and is the symbol of "scottishness“, which in the not too distant 1999, thanks to a convinced policy of decentralization of the English government, saw the rebirth of one of its standard-bearers: the Scottish Parliament, which had closed its doors in 1707, under the blows of unification. Where is Edinburgh located. The capital is located in the south of Scotland, in a north-central position with respect to Great Britain. Let's see what to see in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh castles
1 Edinburgh Castle
Prominent, in the Old Town (Old Town), is the castle, also known as Edinburgh Castle. It has stood since ancient times on a spectacular volcanic cliff. It is accessed by a drawbridge guarded by guards in kilts and crossing the immense courtyard called Esplanade, which in the summer hosts the parades and shows of the Military Tattoo.
Crossed the Lucullus Gate, a door with a shutter grate, at the top of the climb, appears St. Margaret's Chapel, a Norman-style church from the XNUMXth century. The Royal Palace, built in pure Scottish Renaissance style, is located on Crown Square and houses the fabulous Crown Jewels, Mary Stuart's apartments and the Great Hall, the original seat of the Scottish Parliament, with collections of arms and armour.
Edinburgh what to see
2 Royal Mile, the Royal Mile
It is impossible to visit Edinburgh without a walk on the “Royal Mile”. The backbone of the old city, connecting the castle to the Royal Palace of Holyrood, and the Royal Mile (about 3 km), dotted with ancient and prestigious buildings, such as the St. Giles Cathedral, of Presbyterian worship, with inside the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest order of chivalry, Parliament; Preacher John Konx's home or Huntly House, home to the City History Museum.
Edinburgh places of interest
3 The Royal Palace of Edinburgh
In Royal Palace of Holyrood (XNUMXth century) can be visited State Apartments, where the Great Gallery, immense hall with portraits of Scottish kings and Historical Apartments, who saw the troubled events of Maria Stuarda. Of the contiguous and original abbey of Holyrood (9,30th century) only a few suggestive ruins remain. The palace is open from April to October every day (18,00am-9,30pm) while, in the colder period from November to March, the palace is open from 16,30am to 10pm. The price of entry is around XNUMX pounds.
4 Holyrood park
It is undoubtedly the most beautiful park in Edinburgh, which boasts several. Is called Holyrood park and has several peculiarities. Among these theArthur's Seat, an area created within an ancient volcano, which presents interesting views. To the south of the Park, next to the entrance, there is another viewpoint of the city: Salisbury Crags.
What to see Edinburgh
5 Royal Yacht Britannia
A visit on board the Britannia (not cheap price) is a way to come into closer contact with the Royals of UK. On board the ship it is possible to visit the bedroom of the Queen Elizabeth, among others. Opening hours: from April to October, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. From November to March, from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. To reach the place, simply board the bus 11,34,22,36 and 36 of the Princes street or the bus Britannia Tour da Waverley Bridge.
6 Princes Street Edinburgh
Nerve point of the Georgian New Town (New Town), the new city, built in the XNUMXth century, is Princes street, the most famous shopping street, with beautiful gardens and TheMound, a characteristic road, which connects it to Old Town, which overlook the National Gallery of Scotland, with masterpieces by Italian, Flemish, French and Dutch masters and the Royal Scottish Academy, which hosts temporary exhibitions.
7 National Gallery of Scotland
La National Gallery of Edinburgh houses the Old Masters painters collection, believed to be one of the most important in the UK after those of London. Entrance to the gallery is free and can be done from 10,00 to 17,00 (on Thursdays until 19,00).
