Photo source: Sarah Stierch, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Edinburgh Castle stands on an extinct volcanic plug in the centre of the Scottish capital, with fortifications on the site since at least the 12th century.
Historic Environment Scotland manages the castle today.
It holds the Honours of Scotland, the country's crown jewels.
St Margaret's Chapel within the walls dates from the early 1100s.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The castle has been a royal residence and military stronghold since medieval times, surviving numerous sieges including the Lang Siege of 1571 to 1573. The Scottish National War Memorial is housed inside the castle, commemorating those who died in conflict.
Architecture
The complex has grown over centuries rather than following a single design, ranging from the Romanesque St Margaret's Chapel to the 16th century Royal Palace and later military buildings. Mons Meg, a notable siege cannon, is displayed within the fortifications.
Worth knowing
The castle is the backdrop for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, held on the Castle Esplanade each August and broadcast internationally. Its One O'Clock Gun is fired daily, originally to give ships in the Firth of Forth an accurate time signal.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Princes Street (Edinburgh Trams) (0.2 miles)
Nearby properties
Gladstone's Land
View Gladstone's Land on heritage mapThe Georgian House
View The Georgian House on heritage mapMarchmont
View Marchmont on heritage mapHolyrood Park
View Holyrood Park on heritage mapTrinity House of Leith
View Trinity House of Leith on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Edinburgh Castle (EH1) there are 13 historic properties, including 4 historic buildings, 3 historic houses and 2 historic sites, across Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Historic Houses sites.
Within 10 miles of Edinburgh Castle (EH1) there are 24 historic properties, including 7 historic houses, 4 historic buildings and 4 historic sites, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of Edinburgh Castle (EH1) there are 52 historic properties, including 15 historic houses, 9 castles and 8 historic buildings, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Facts
A working royal fortress on a volcanic rock with a daily gun tradition.
- Type
- castle
- Location
- City of Edinburgh, Scotland
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