Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress perched on Castle Rock in central Edinburgh, Scotland, with origins stretching back to the medieval period. It has served as a royal residence, military garrison and national symbol for centuries.

A compact complex of historic buildings and exhibitions includes the Royal Palace and Crown Room, the medieval St Margaret’s Chapel, the Great Hall and artillery displays such as the 15th-century cannon Mons Meg. The castle’s elevated position provides sweeping views over the Old Town and Princes Street, and many of the principal interior rooms are presented as museum spaces.

Additional displays cover military history and national regalia, and the castle esplanade is used for public ceremonies and events during the year.

The site has been fortified since at least the early medieval period and developed as a royal stronghold and administrative centre through the Middle Ages into the modern era. Successive building campaigns and military events have left a layered complex of medieval and post-medieval structures that survive today.

Sitting on Castle Rock at the western end of the Royal Mile, the castle dominates Edinburgh’s Old Town and is within easy walking distance of the city centre and Waverley station.

• Castle Rock Location: The castle occupies a volcanic plug that rises steeply above the Old Town and provides panoramic views over Edinburgh; the rock forms a natural defensive position.
• Historic Highlight: St Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving building in the city and is a frequent highlight for visitors interested in medieval architecture.

What to See #

• St Margaret's Chapel: A small 12th-century chapel regarded as the oldest surviving building on the rock, set within the castle precinct and notable for its simple Norman architecture.
• Crown Room and Royal Palace: The Crown Room and Royal Palace area housing the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) and the Stone of Destiny when on display for state occasions or public viewing.
• Artillery and Battlements: An artillery display including the 15th-century siege cannon known as Mons Meg, plus battlements and defensive artillery positions overlooking the city.