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Scotland - $section - Travel Guide
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Edinburgh Castle
The imposing castle that stands on the craggy mound of
an extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh is the city's top
attraction, a proud symbol of the Scots nation. The castle rock has
been inhabited since 800 BC, but today most of the remaining
structures date from around the 16th century (except for St
Margaret's chapel, Edinburgh's oldest building, dating from the
early 12th century). Of all the things to see and experience at the
castle (including the spectacular view of the city) the favourite
for visitors is the Crown Room, which contains the Scottish crown
jewels and regalia of state. Also on view here is the legendary
'Stone of Scone' upon which all the monarchs of Scotland have been
crowned. The castle also still functions as a military
headquarters, and is the site of the annual, world-renowned and
most spectacular military tattoo, held in August. At 1pm each day,
except Sunday, the one o'clock gun is fired, traditionally to allow
ships in the Firth of Forth to check their chronometers. The gun is
also fired at New Year to mark midnight during the Hogmanay
celebrations.
Telephone: (0)131 225 9846
Website: www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk
Transport:
Opening times: Daily (except 25-26 December) from 9.30am to 6pm,
with early closing at 5pm in winter (1 October to 31 March). Last
entry 45 minutes before closing time. Opening times for independent
museum in the castle complex may vary
