From a royal residence to a war prison, the building has ancient origins and today houses precious artefacts from the monarchy
The historic center of the Scottish capital is crowned by Edinburgh Castle, a fortress built more than a thousand years ago on the top of an extinct volcano. Therefore, it has one of the best views of the city.
The site has been the scene of numerous battles, a story that is told in the exhibitions on the military past. But the building also has strong royal connections, so the royal rooms, chapels and jewels are also part of the visit.
It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Scotland. Discover its history and attractions below:
History of Edinburgh Castle
A fort had existed atop the rock formation since at least the Iron Age, but the Edinburgh Castle as we know it was built in the 11th century.
Since then it has had various uses: from a royal residence to a military depot and a place for incarcerating prisoners of war.
The site of countless battles, the place was fiercely contested between the English and Scots and changed hands several times, especially during the wars of independence of the 18th century. This gradually caused its defenses to evolve into the more modern medieval artillery.
In fact, throughout the medieval period, the Edinburgh Castle It has been home to generations of kings and queens. Among them is the canonized Queen Margaret, who died in 1093. The monarch gives his name to Chapel of Saint Margaretbuilt by his son, King David I, within the complex.
It was also there that Queen Mary, Queen of Scots, lived and gave birth to her son James, who was responsible for unifying the crowns to form the United Kingdom in 1603.
It was during this period that the castle became an important military base and became the most secure prison in the country. The fortification also played a fundamental role during the Napoleonic wars and was used as a military hospital during the First World War.
With so many years of existence, it accumulates stories, some of them ghosts.
Edinburgh Castle Attractions
Let’s start with the attractions related to the military history of the Edinburgh Castle. A Fight for the castle is an exhibition with immersive projections on the wars of independence inside the Argyle Tower.
To the old prisons They have been recreated in their original location beneath Crown Square, where hundreds of prisoners were held between 1700 and 1800.
Already the National War Museum houses a large collection of items used by Scottish soldiers over the years – such as medals of honour, uniforms and weapons – in a building that was used as a military hospital during the First World War.
In memory of the Scots who died in the First and Second World Wars, the Scottish National War Memorial inside the church of Santa Maria, with sculptures and stained glass windows depicting battle scenes.
Finally, visitors will be able to see the ancient cannons up close. Crescent battery AND Monsignor Meg. But the highlight is the One o’clock gun (in Portuguese “Canhão da Uma em Ponto”), which has been lit daily since 1861 to signal that it is 1pm: it is worth being there at that time of day.
+ Civitatis organizes a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
Now let’s move on to the attractions related to royalty. OR Big room It is a beautiful room (note the wooden beams on the ceiling) built in 1511 by King James IV to host large banquets. There are also weapons and armor on display.
The Great Hall is located in Crown Square, the same square as the Royal Palace, which can be visited inside. Important monarchs such as Queen Mary of Guise, Queen Mary Stuart and King James VI lived in the palace rooms – the room in which he was born is one of the highlights of the visit.
To the Crown Hall, that is, in the Crown Room the so-called “Honors of Scotland” are displayed: the crown, the sword and the scepter, which constitute one of the oldest treasures of Great Britain. In the collection there is another precious object: the Stone of Destiny. Traditionally present at royal coronations, it was stolen by King Edward I of England in 1296 and returned to the country only 700 years later.
Don’t forget to also see the Chapel of Saint Margaretwhich honors the canonized Queen Margaret.
Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or on the official website. It is worth giving priority to online shopping, especially in the summer months, when there is more movement.
‘Standard Tickets’ cost £19.50 and require you to book a date and time for your visit. Flexible tickets cost £29.50 and allow you to visit the castle on a day of your choice within a seven-day period.
Children up to 6 years old enter free and discounts are available for children under 15 and for over 65s.
Opening hours vary depending on the time of year: check here.
Check out the best flight options to Edinburgh
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
