A majestic landmark that dominates Edinburgh’s skyline and powders the air with its long and colorful heritage, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most renowned buildings from Scotland and one of the most visited ancient monuments in Britain. It’s a powerful national symbol (part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site) perched atop the basalt plug of an extinct volcano, that offers amazing panoramic views over the bustling city.
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city's skyline
The huge, forbidding presence is a major tourist attraction that spell bounds with its wonderful 3000 years story and an unparalleled potential to explore its rocky perch. That’s because throughout the centuries, Edinburgh Castle played an important role as a fortress built to protect its inhabitants, as a royal residence where kings, queens and their households lived in the past, and as a military base and prison.
Edinburgh Castle shrouded in mistery?
Edinburgh Castle at night
Among the few destinations in the world to charm with its amazing historical attraction, Edinburgh Castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile— Old Town’s busiest tourist street, which connects the Holyrood Palace (queen’s residence in Edinburgh) with the Castle Rock.
Divided into three wards (Lower, Middle and Upper ward) separated by gates, with sheer cliffs to north and south, and a steep ascent from the west, Edinburgh Castle is an uncompromisingly defensive structure that seems to grow organically out of the living rock beneath. It’s a stronghold in its true meaning, with the coat of arms and motto above the main entrance, “Nemo Me Impune Lacessit” — Latin for “No-one assails me with impunity”, standing as fiercely proof.
Inside Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle views of the city
Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth
First meant as a parade ground in 1753, the long sloping forecourt in front of the castle— the Castle Esplanade, is now used for entertainment purposes. The Esplanade is the place where the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo is being held each year. For three weeks in August, the Scottish regiments puts up an amazing programme that includes an unique blend of music, marching and historical re-enactments. All these set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, that guards from behind.
The Edinburgh Castle Esplanada
But before you leave the Esplanade, how about a look in the north-east corner for a small iron wall-fountain known as the Witches’ Well— the place where centuries ago, women found guilty of witchcraft were being sentences to death. Another popular tourist attraction is the One O’clock Gun on Mill’s Mount Battery. It has been established in 1861 as a time signal for ships in the Firth of Forth, and is now being fired every day (except on Sundays) at precisely 13:00 by the District Gunner. Find your spot and wait for the gun to go “boom”, the experience is amazing!
One O'Clock Gun on Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle - Mons Meg
There are many things that can be said about a place visited by 1 million people each year, but we’ll get into detail about Edinburgh Castle next times. Meanwhile, enjoy the pictures and plan your vacation …
June 4th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
It’s easy to take Edinburgh for granted when you live here. You could pass the castle on the bus and not even look at that side of the street. It is an amazing and unique city and some of these photographs bring that to life!
I hope I can find the time to bring some of Edinburgh to life on the web with video soon!
August 6th, 2010 at 9:36 am
By visiting the Edinburgh castle, you can see the unparalleled architectural pattern of the different portions of this caste. You will definitely find it interesting to see the royal palace and the crown square,the place which was once used as a state prison, and more such things.