Edinburgh castle scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland: discover the history of Edinburgh Castle, a millennia-old fortress atop a volcanic rock.

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Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of the Scottish capital from atop Castle Rock, a volcanic formation 130 meters high. The site has been occupied since the Iron Age, but the first royal fortress was built in the 12th century by King David I. Since then, the castle has been the scene of numerous sieges and battles, especially during the Scottish Wars of Independence in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Today, the castle houses the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels), the oldest regalia in the United Kingdom, as well as the Stone of Destiny (Stone of Scone), used in the coronation of Scottish and British monarchs. Another highlight is Mons Meg, a huge medieval cannon from the 15th century that could fire stone balls over 3 kilometers.

Every day at 1 p.m., the One o'Clock Gun ceremony takes place, a cannon shot fired from the castle to mark the time, a tradition started in 1861. The castle also hosts the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a famous annual festival of military bands and cultural performances held on the castle esplanade.

With over 2 million visitors per year, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's top tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Edinburgh Castle?

The volcanic rock has been occupied since the Iron Age, but the royal fortress dates from the 12th century, over 900 years old.

What are the Scottish Crown Jewels?

They are the Honours of Scotland, consisting of a crown, scepter, and sword of state from the 15th and 16th centuries, displayed in the castle.

Why is the castle known for the cannon shot at 1 p.m.?

It is the One o'Clock Gun, a tradition since 1861 to help ships in the port synchronize their chronometers.