Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, is renowned for its fascinating history and picturesque buildings, with the Old Town area being the notable highlight. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, and hidden courtyards, all centred around the Royal Mile and the Cowgate, Grassmarket, and Holyrood areas.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Old Town stretches along a hill that starts at the looming Edinburgh Castle and finishes at the regal Holyrood Palace, enveloped by the New Town to the north and the sprawling green expanse of Holyrood Park to the south.
The history of the Old Town is as fascinating as its geography. It dates back to mediaeval times and its layout and architecture are largely preserved from the 16th and 17th centuries, especially on the Royal Mile, the main artery of the Old Town, which is lined with historic tenements, churches, and narrow alleyways.
Geographically, Edinburgh’s Old Town is characterised by Castle Rock, home of Edinburgh Castle, where the Royal Mile slopes down to the east before the topography rises again in the form of the monumental Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park.
The Old Town is a treasure trove of tourist attractions. Edinburgh Castle offers stunning views of the city, while the Royal Mile is home to the 12th-century St Giles’ Cathedral, the Museum of Edinburgh, and the Real Mary King’s Close which is a historic underground street preserved almost as it was in the 17th century.
At the eastern end of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, and across the road is the Scottish Parliament Building, a modern architectural marvel that offers free guided tours. Just a stone’s throw away are Holyrood Park and Dynamic Earth which can be easily combined with the National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Kirk as well as the Camera Obscura and the Scotch Whisky Experience – all of which are among the most-visited tourist attractions in the city.
And let’s not forget the numerous festivals that are staged in the Old Town including the world-famous Royal Military Tattoo and the Fringe Festival which transform the area into a carnival of arts and culture every summer.
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