Edinburgh Castle

Contact
Castlehill
GB - EH1 2NG Edinburgh
visit the website

Map

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that sits atop Castle Rock in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. The history of the castle dates back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the site was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age. The first written record of the castle comes from the 12th century when King David I of Scotland used it as a royal residence. Over the centuries, Edinburgh Castle played a central role in Scottish history, particularly during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was besieged and captured multiple times, highlighting its strategic importance. In the 16th century, the castle was further developed, with significant structures such as St. Margaret´s Chapel, the oldest surviving chapel in Scotland, being built. In the 17th century, the castle lost its role as a royal residence and was instead used as a military garrison. Today, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Scotland and houses numerous museums and exhibitions, including the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, a symbol of Scottish monarchy. The castle also offers a stunning view over the city of Edinburgh and is a focal point during the annual Edinburgh Festival.