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Best Historic Locations in Edinburgh

By: Cityseeker
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Old Town - Edinburgh

Steeped in unbridled antiquity, the charming Old Town is that part of Edinburgh where history yet lives in all its glory. The town is home to an arsenal of significant buildings like the St. Gile's Cathedral, the National Museum of Scotland and the Old College; however, its nerve center is the Royal Mile, which cuts through the ancient landscape of the town, straddling many historic monuments on its way. Pervaded by a certain kind of old-world charm, Old Town is where quaint alleys like Cockburn Street overflow with shops full of tie-dye and joss sticks, piercings and indie style, while the St. Mary's area boasts tiny independent designer boutiques. Old Town, together with New Town is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance as the oldest part of the Scottish capital.

High Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1PZ
Edinburgh Vaults

These historic chambers line the arches underneath the South Bridge. Built in 1788, these vaults were used as storage spaces as well as living spaces. Today, the vaults are a popular tourist attraction due to reports of paranormal activity and ghost sightings. Ghost tours are given through the vaults.

10-28 South Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1QR
Saint Giles' Cathedral

An outstanding exemplar of Gothic architecture, this cathedral looms large above Edinburgh's Old Town, calling attention with its grand crown steeple. The church is steeped in a long and storied history that began nearly a millennia ago. Although there has been a church on this site since 1854, the earliest remains to be found in St Giles' Cathedral are four pillars which date from about 1120. In 1385 the church was destroyed by an English army but soon afterward rebuilt in greater splendor. In 1460 the roof was raised and the main body of the church extended eastwards. The intricate spire was completed in 1495 and St Giles' was declared a Presbyterian cathedral. The Chapel of the Knights of the Thistle, built in 1911 for the Order of the Thistle, is particularly beautiful: each Knight's stall is carved in wood with an impressively intricate touch.

High Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1RE
Greyfriars Kirkyard

The final resting place of many famous Scots, Greyfriars Kirkyard is a graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk in Old Town. The burials here date back to 16th century and origins of Covenanters’ Prison and the Martyrs’ Monument can be traced back to 17th century. At the entrance you will notice Bobby's headstone marking the the loyal dog who guarded his master's grave. Locals and visitors have reported hauntings like the spirit of Bloody George Mackenzie who was buried here in 1691. Even more interestingly, a number of people have died in the Kirkyard itself.

Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2QG
St Andrew Square

Dating back to the 18th Century, St Andrew Square is a prominent attraction in the heart of Edinburgh. The square is easily distinguishable by the ornate column of the Melville Monument, built in honor of the first Viscount Melville, Henry Dundas. A number of historical buildings cast their shadows on this important city square; while the Dundas House stands on the square's eastern end, the 19th-century British Linen Bank building captures attention with its neoclassical form. The renovated St Andrew gardens also form part of the square. Its beautiful landscape unfolds under moody Edinburgh skies, and it forms the backdrop for a host of cultural events and exhibitions.

1-9 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH2 2AD
The Grassmarket

The Grassmarket area of Edinburgh is steeped in the history of the city. Its buildings and lanes speak of its past even today. It houses the best and most popular night spots of the city with highly acclaimed bars, pubs, cafeterias, restaurants, night clubs and the like thriving here. The square also holds various cultural events throughout the year. If visiting Edinburgh, do make it a point to discover this area and delight in the rich cultural heritage that it has to offer.

27-31 West Port, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2JA
City Centre

The City Center is a perfect combination of Edinburgh's glorious past and modern future. It houses the major tourist attractions that includes Castle, Writer's Museum, Princes Street Gardens, University of Edinburgh and Museum of Edinburgh. While in town, do make a point to visit this thriving and bustling area of Edinburgh.

Princes Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH2 2AN
Edinburgh Castle

Perched at the craggy edge of Castle Rock, the world-renowned Edinburgh Castle, with its brooding grey fortification, was once the military centerpiece of the British army in Scotland. Along with fulfilling its duties as a wartime fortress, it was also the residence of King Malcolm Canmore and Queen Margaret in the 11th Century. Within its dark grey walls and even beyond them, the Edinburgh Castle is home to some of the most marvelous relics of Scottish history, meriting it one of the most popular paid-attractions in the world. The oldest monument atop the volcanic Castle Rock promontory is St Margaret's Chapel, beside which Mons Meg, a colossal siege gun dating back to the 15th Century stands in historic pride. At the heart of the castle's main complex, one can almost hear the deafening silence of the Great Hall, the erstwhile site for several royal ceremonies and the place of congregation for the Scottish Parliament. A little further toward the east, the Royal Palace proudly displays the sparkling crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Together with its remarkable past and beautifully preserved elements of history, both Castle Rock and the Edinburgh Castle form solid units of Scotland's royal and political heritage.

Castlehill, Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2NG
Palace of Holyroodhouse

Conspiracies, plots and other dramatic turns in Scottish history were the scenes played out at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Established as the monarchical residence for the kings and queens of Scots more than six centuries ago, it is now the Queen's formal residence in Scotland. Built on the ruins of a medieval abbey, this elegant, quadrangular complex was built in the 16th Century with added extensions in the following century. Intriguing stories abound in its state apartments that give a glimpse into the life of its famous residents like Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and George IV. The Great Gallery displays fascinating exhibitions from the Royal Collection, while the expansive, beautiful gardens add further charm to this regal castle.

Canongate, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH8 8DX
Georgian House

Step into the early 19th Century and experience a little Georgian opulence. Georgian House has been restored by the Scottish National Trust and filled with period furnishings and wonderful objects. Every detail is faithfully re-created to provide an authentic glimpse into the lifestyle at this Robert Adams designed, New Town house. Fill in the gaps by consulting the guides or be entertained and informed by video programs in the audio visual room.

7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH2 4DR
Inchcolm Island

Inchcolm Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the Firth of Forth. Located 1.6 kilometers (one mile) off the Fife coast and nearly 9.65 kilometers (six miles) off Edinburgh, this wild island shelters a troupe of monastic buildings, some of which are still in excellent shape to this day. The famous 12th-century monastic building, the Inchcolm Abbey, dominates the island's remarkable landscape. Owing to its resemblance to the Scottish Island of Iona, this island is fondly known as 'Iona of the East', and is an excellent vantage from which to explore Scottish history. Part of the island's scope is also home to remnants of the World War II, while its central environs feature a gift shop and a visitors' center.

Inchcolm, Burntisland, United Kingdom, KY3 0TX
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