Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century chapel in the village of Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, founded in the mid 1400s by the Sinclair family. It is widely noted for its exceptionally detailed carved stonework.

The chapel was founded by William Sinclair in the mid 15th century as a collegiate chapel for the Sinclair family. Over subsequent centuries it suffered periods of neglect and partial repair; conservation and interpretation work and a purpose-built visitor centre have been undertaken in recent decades.

The chapel sits in the village of Roslin, about 11 km south of central Edinburgh, set in a small valley above the River North Esk and accessed from the A701 road.

• Proximity to Edinburgh: Located in the village of Roslin about 11 km south of Edinburgh city centre, with an on-site visitor centre that supports guided tours.
• 15th-century origins: Construction of the chapel began in the mid 15th century under the patronage of the Sinclair (St Clair) family and many original carved stones remain visible today.

What to See #

• Apprentice Pillar: A freestanding sculpted column inside the chapel noted for dense vegetal carving, figures and local folklore tied to its craftsmanship.
• Chancel and nave: Chapel interior including the choir and nave where extensive carved stonework depicts biblical scenes, saints and a wide range of vegetal and animal motifs carved in local sandstone.