Historic buildings in Edinburgh worth visiting

Historic buildings in Edinburgh worth visiting on a short stay tips, Scottish capital visit guide, Scotland trip

Historic buildings in Edinburgh worth visiting on a short stay

16 August 2022

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, and the 7th most populous city in the United Kingdom. It has an important historic meaning for Scotland and for the UK in general, politically and culturally wise. Thus, it is only natural for its architecture and symbolism to be a great charm for tourists.

Today’s architecture and infrastructure are seemingly different to the architecture in the past. We are used to tall buildings, glass façade, impeccable lift and smoke exhaust systems, but that does not mean we don’t enjoy the ambiance of the historic buildings around the world. Such an example is the city od Edinburgh. It is known for the beautiful nature surrounding it, but also for its remarkable architecture. It is the second most visited city in the United Kingdom, only after London!

Historic buildings in Edinburgh worth visiting

Obviously, there are plenty of things to do and see here, so we will talk about some incredible monuments and buildings that are worth the visit when in Edinburgh!

Historic buildings in Edinburgh worth visiting on a short stay in Scotland

  • The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Holyroodhouse Palace serves as the royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century. It is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, located at the end of Royal Mile, opposite of Edinburgh Castle. The Palace is a place for a lot of official events and occasions, especially at the beginning of each summer, when the Queen Elizabeth II resides there for a week.

It was built between 1671 and 1678 and designed by Sir William Bruce. The Palace’ layout is a three-storey and an attic quadrangle. During a visit, you can see the throne room used for giving knighthood, the Royal apartments used by the Duke of Edinburgh and her majesty and the picturesque exposition in the chapel for the Order of the Thistle. There are plenty of interesting stories about the monarch’s lives, stunning architecture and mesmerizing landscape.

  • Edinburgh Castle

This historic castle is most likely the most famous castle in Scotland and one of its infamous landmarks. It stands on a volcanic plug, called Castle Rock. There was a royal castle on the rock as early as the 12th century, up until the 15th century. In the 17th century it functioned as military barracks, and then it got recognized for its historic meaning and heritage in the early 19th century. Most of the medieval structures that survived on the rock were destroyed by heavy artillery bombs during the Long Siege, 16th century.

Now, some of the buildings are a residence for the National War Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National War Memorial. You can also see the Crown Jewels – the Honours of Sctoland, get an audio tour around the castle, see Queen Mary’s chambers and St. Margaret’s chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. Reserve half a day for this incredible tour, and enjoy the historic symbolism all around you.

  • New College

The New College is a renowned school for Theology and Religious Studies, and it is a part of the University of Edinburgh. The building is located on The Mound, in the north part of the Old Town.

Originally, opened in 1846 as a college of the Free Church of Scotland, then of the United Free Church of Scotland, it is now the home of the School of Divinity, ever since 1935. It offers a broad academic program, with wide range of religious beliefs and it is a school for students from 30 different countries. Its one of a kind architecture is one of the main reasons why the building is one of the most visited landmark in Edinburgh.

Comments on this guide to Historic buildings in Edinburgh worth visiting on a short stay article are welcome.

Architecture

Rowanbank Gardens, Corstorphine
Rowanbank Gardens Housing Edinburgh
Rowanbank Gardens Edinburgh Housing

West Town Vision
West Town Edinburgh property development site
image courtesy of architects practice
West Town Edinburgh Property Vision

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