Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is best known and the most visited of our historic buildings. Perched on an extinct volcano the castle has stunning views, over Edinburgh. This is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh's World Heritage site.

Apart from being a mightly fortification, it was also the royal residence of Scotland's kings and queens. Since the Royal Bronze Age it has witnessed much of the nations rich past including the birth of Mary Queen of Scots only child - James VI, who united the crowns of Scotland and England - to Cromwell's Roundheads and the Jacobite Risings.

An eclectic mix of Architectural styles reflects the castle's complex history and the role as both stronghold and seat of kings. The tiny St Margaret Chapel, Edinburgh's oldest building, dates from the 1100's; Crown Sqaure, the Principal courtyard, was developed in the 15th century; the Great Hall with its impressive hammerbeam roof was built by James IV, and the Scottish National War Memorial was added after the First World War.

For visitor's today, the castle has a wealth of attractions to explore. The Prisoners of War experience explains how the Castle was a prison for sailors from many countries in the 18th and 19th centuries, including crewmen who sailed with John Paul Jones, founder of the American Navy. Their graffiti, hand-made ships and other items are on display at the end of a capivating tour that recreates the sights and sounds of these prison vaults.

The magnificent Laich Hall; the National War Museum of Scotland; The 'Honours of the Kingdom' exhibition telling the story of Scotland Crown Jewels -saved from Cromwell to become some of the oldest surviving regalia in Europe; the Stone of Density - taken to Westminster Abbey in 1926 and returned to Scotland 700 years later; the One O'Clock Gun and a display on the history of time guns and timekeeping; and the giant medieval siege cannon Mons Meg, once again standing proudly on the castle ramparts.

Guided tours are available, with the hire of an audio guide in six languages. As well as gift and book shops, the Crown Jewel shop offers exclusive, specially designed jewellery and other unique gifts. Visitors may wish to take a break in the castle's cafe. A courtesy vehicle for visitors with a disability ( sponsored by the Bank of Scotland) is available from the esplanade.

The Castle is also the venue for the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is held in August each year.