Last time I wrote we arrived at Edinburgh, but instead of going right to the city center, we diverted to Dean’s Village, a gorgeous old town very close to the center of Edinburgh. Yu can read about it in our last post.
But now we are right in the middle of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, an intoxicating mix of rich history, stunning architecture, and culture. It has an iconic skyline dominated by the Edinburgh Castle at the top of a hill.
The Edinburgh Castle stands as an emblem of Scotland's storied past and it’s a symbol of the nation's heritage. With a history spanning over a thousand years, this majestic fortress has witnessed the rise and fall of kings, queens, and warriors, making it a living testament to the country's rich cultural legacy. Up there you'll get breathtaking views of the city below.
Visitors can explore the castle's grand halls, ancient chambers, and historic military museums, immersing themselves in the tales of battles, royal intrigues, and momentous events that have shaped Scotland's identity. Remember that you need to get your tickets online, before the day of your visit. Usually, tickets sold out.
Once you’re out you can explore the Royal Mile, It is the road between the castle an the Palace of Holyroodhouse (which we will visit in another post). But before you need to explore Victoria Street. Believe me, it’s just like a movie set and some say it was the inspiration of the Diagon alley of Harry Potter. Immediately you feel the vibe and resemblance.
Talking about Harry Potter, If you are a fan, you need to explore the Greyfriars’s Graveyard. Coincidence or not, it is full of graves with names of the characters of Harry Potter’s movies, including the one who shall not be named. The graveyard itself is a nice and interesting place to visit, and the Harry Potter’s references adds up to the visit.
Back in the royal mile you’ll find St Giles Cathedral a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a prominent religious landmark in Scotland. With its striking spire and ornate stone facades, the cathedral's exterior is a sight to behold.
Stepping inside, you will find an inspiring interior adorned with stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and a beautiful wooden Thistle Chapel. Today, it continues to be a place of worship, as well as a hub for musical performances, art exhibitions.
Near to the city center you can spot another hill with interesting monuments on top. It is called Calton Hill, and it offers panoramic perspective of the city's breathtaking skyline. With its lush green slopes and fascinating collection of neoclassical monuments, Calton Hill is a place of both natural beauty and historical significance. Dominated by the striking National Monument, it looks just like the Parthenon in Athens, the hill is a reminder of Scotland's ambitious past and its vision to be referred to as the "Athens of the North." Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs.
We ended the day with dinner in a pub and some drinks at a speakeasy, but I’ll tell you all about the food of Edinburgh in a separate post.
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See you soon, Eduardo from @elteamgordo.