Edinburgh Castle is the icon of Scotland. Standing upon Castle Rock, an immense volcanic plug formed 350 million years ago, it dominates the skyline of the capital city. It has been a royal residence, a military garrison, a prison, and a fortress. As one of the most besieged places in Great Britain (attacked 23 times), its history is written in blood, stone, and gunpowder.
The Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny
The castle houses the oldest Crown Jewels in the British Isles, known as the Honours of Scotland (Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State). They were lost for over a century, hidden in a chest within the castle to protect them from Oliver Cromwell, and only rediscovered by Sir Walter Scott in 1818.
Alongside them sits the Stone of Destiny (Stone of Scone), the ancient block of sandstone used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. Taken to England by Edward I in 1296, it remained in Westminster Abbey for 700 years until it was returned to Scotland in 1996 with great ceremony. In 1950, four Scottish students famously broke into Westminster Abbey and stole the stone, smuggling it back to Scotland in a daring heist that became a symbol of Scottish nationalism. It was eventually returned to London, but the event cemented the Stone's legendary status.
St Margaret's Chapel
The oldest surviving building in Edinburgh is the tiny, Romanesque St Margaret's Chapel. Built around 1130 by King David I in honor of his mother, Queen Margaret, it survived the destruction ordered by Robert the Bruce (who destroyed his own castles to prevent the English from using them). It is still used today for weddings.
The Great Hall
Built by James IV in 1511, the Great Hall is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Its most impressive feature is the original hammer-beam roof, one of only two such medieval roofs in Scotland. The hall was used for state banquets but was later converted into a barracks by Oliver Cromwell's army. Today, it displays a magnificent collection of weapons and armor, including the notorious Lochaber axe.
Mary, Queen of Scots: A Tragic Mother
The castle was a pivotal setting in the tragic life of Mary, Queen of Scots. In the tiny, claustrophobic room known as the "Birth Chamber," she gave birth to her son, James VI, on June 19, 1566. The birth was difficult and dangerous. To reassure the public that the baby was indeed hers and a healthy heir, Mary presented him through a window to the waiting crowds below. This child would go on to unite the crowns of Scotland and England, becoming James I of England. Visitors today can still feel the intimate and tense atmosphere of this small room where the future of Britain was secured.
The Darker Side: The Witches' Well
Just outside the castle entrance on the Esplanade lies a cast-iron fountain known as the Witches' Well. It marks the spot where over 300 women were burned at the stake for witchcraft between the 15th and 18th centuries. Edinburgh was a hotspot for witch trials, often driven by King James VI's personal obsession with the dark arts. The small monument depicts a serpent (evil) and a foxglove plant (healing), representing the duality of the women accused—many of whom were simply healers or herbalists. It is a somber reminder of the hysteria that once gripped the city.
Mons Meg and the One O'Clock Gun
The castle ramparts offer spectacular views and impressive firepower.
- Mons Meg: A gigantic 15th-century siege gun, one of the largest world. Given to King James II in 1457, it could fire a 150kg stone ball up to 2 miles (3.2 km). It was so heavy that it could only be moved 3 miles a day.
- The One O'Clock Gun: Every day at exactly 1:00 pm (except Sundays), a modern field gun is fired from the Mills Mount Battery. Originally used for ships in the Firth of Forth to set their maritime clocks, it is now a beloved tradition that startles tourists daily.
The One O'Clock Gun Association
The firing of the One O'Clock Gun is such an institution that it has its own fan club, the One O'Clock Gun Association. They maintain a small exhibition near the gun, detailing the history of timekeeping in Edinburgh. Before the gun, the city used a "Time Ball" on top of the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill. The ball would drop at 1:00 pm, but it was often invisible in the famous Edinburgh fog (haar). The gun was introduced as an auditory signal that could be heard regardless of the weather.
The Prisons of War
Beneath the Crown Square lie the dark, vaulted vaults that served as prisons. During the 18th and 19th centuries, thousands of prisoners of war were held here, including French sailors from the Napoleonic Wars and even American sailors from the War of Independence. Visitors can see the graffiti carved into the wooden doors by bored and desperate prisoners.
The Royal Military Tattoo
Every August, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place on the Esplanade, the parade ground immediately in front of the castle. It is a spectacular show of military bands, bagpipes, and drums from around the world, ending with a lone piper playing on the castle ramparts. It is watched by 100 million people on TV worldwide.
Visitor Tips
- Book in Advance: Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's paid tourist attraction. Queue times can be very long. Booking online guarantees entry.
- The Dog Cemetery: Look over the wall near the Argyle Battery to see the Soldier's Dog Cemetery, a touching resting place for regimental mascots and officers' dogs since the 1840s.
- Audio Guide: The audio guide is excellent and narrated by famous Scottish actors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it steep?
- Yes. The castle is on top of a rock. The walk up the Royal Mile is uphill, and inside the castle, the cobbles are steep and uneven.
- Can I see the Crown Jewels?
- Yes, they are on display in the Crown Room. Photography is strictly forbidden in this room.
- How much time do I need?
- Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to see everything properly.