Scottish Capital. Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland. It is one of the oldest (about 2000 years) and most fascinating cities in Europe, home to one of the most famous cultural festivals in the world and is the symbol of “scottishness“, which in 1999, thanks to a determined policy of decentralization by the English government, saw the revival of one of its standard bearers: the Scottish Parliament, which had closed its doors in 1707, under the blows of unification. Where is Edinburgh. The capital is located in the south of Scotland, in a north-central position relative 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 the Edinburgh Castle. It rises from ancient times on a spectacular volcanic crag. It is accessed by a drawbridge guarded by kilts-wearing guards and crossing the vast courtyard called the Esplanade, which in summer hosts the parades and shows of the Military Tattoo.
Having passed through the Lucullus Gate, a door with a shutter grate, at the top of the ascent, emerges the St. Margaret’s Chapel, an 11th-century Norman-style chapel. The Royal Palace, built in pure Scottish Renaissance style, is located on the 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 weapons and armor.
What to see in Edinburgh
2 Royal Mile, the Royal Mile
It is impossible to visit Edinburgh without a walk along the “Royal Mile.” The backbone of the Old Town, which connects the castle to the Palace of Holyrood, is the Royal Mile (about 3 km), dotted with ancient and prestigious buildings, such as the St. Giles’ Cathedral, of Presbyterian worship, housing the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle, the highest Scottish chivalric order, the Parliament; the house of preacher John Knox or Huntly House, home to the City History Museum.
Edinburgh places of interest
3 The Royal Palace of Edinburgh
In the Holyrood Royal Palace (17th century), the State Apartments can be visited, where the Great Gallery stands out, an immense hall with portraits of Scottish kings and the Historical Apartments, which witnessed the troubled events of Mary Stuart. From the adjacent and original Holyrood Abbey (12th century), only some evocative ruins remain. The palace is open every day from April to October (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM), while during the colder period from November to March, the palace is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The entrance fee is around 10 pounds.
4 Holyrood Park
It is undoubtedly the most beautiful park in Edinburgh, which has several. It is called Holyrood Park and has several unique features. Among these is Arthur’s Seat, an area created inside an ancient volcano, which offers interesting views. To the south of the Park, next to the entrance, there is another viewpoint of the city: Salisbury Crags.
What to see in Edinburgh
5 Royal Yacht Britannia
A visit aboard the Britannia (not a cheap price) is a way to get closer to the British Royal Family. On board the ship, it is possible to visit Queen Elizabeth‘s bedroom, among others. Hours are 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, just board buses 11, 34, 22, 36, and 36 from Princes Street or the Britannia Tour bus from Waverley Bridge.
6 Princes Street Edinburgh
The nerve center of the Georgian New Town (New Town), the new town, built in the 18th century, is Princes Street, the most famous shopping street, with beautiful gardens and The Mound, a characteristic street that connects it to the Old Town, on which face 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
The National Gallery in Edinburgh houses the collection of works by Old Masters painters, considered one of the most important in the United Kingdom after those in London. Entrance to the gallery is free and can be made from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until 7:00 PM on Thursdays).
