Edinburgh is one of the oldest cities in Great Britain. History of Edinburgh

In which I lived for four years, it would be unfair not to pay tribute to the capital of Scotland - beautiful Edinburgh, to which I also gave almost four years of my life. In addition, it was in this city that I began my journey in tourism, working for the largest online travel company in the country. By the way, the idea to create a website was born there, in Edinburgh, Tollcross, one evening in a pub not far from home. But let's talk about Edinburgh, believe me, it's worth it.

Edinburgh - where is it located?

The city of kilts, bagpipes and castles is located in the east of the country, washed by the waters North Sea- Firth of Forth. In general, this place is the bay itself with the mouth of the Fort River, giving the city access to the sea, but not to the river itself, since it flows into sea ​​waters some west of the city. The place is incredibly picturesque!

The distance between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the largest city in the country, is only 80 kilometers, and the capital of Great Britain, that is, London, is quite far away - 640 kilometers. The fastest way to get to Edinburgh from London is by plane; the flight takes about an hour. By train to Edinburgh is also a very good option, just under five hours. Well, driving enthusiasts will have to be patient and seven hours. If you do decide to go on a motor rally, then from the south go through Birmingham: the M6 ​​motorway instead of the A1, which, although it looks shorter on a map or in a navigator, will actually take you two hours more.

Edinburgh in English - how to speak correctly

Scotland supports two languages: English and Celtic (Gaelic). In English Edinburgh is pronounced as Edinbra . Any other pronunciation of the city's name will only confuse the locals. So let's remember this word. You are unlikely to use the Celtic version of the city's name - Dùn Èideann, although, just in case, Dunedin keep it in reserve, so to speak, it won’t get any worse.

What is the beauty of Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a city of indescribable beauty. Of course, it’s quite difficult for me to be impartial, I still lived in this city and am still in love with it, but even great skeptics are unlikely to disagree with this. Firstly, the city is very compact. If we consider everything that is inside the ring highway (City bypass road) to be a city, then it won’t take you even an hour to cross it.

The architecture of Edinburgh is ancient and majestic. There are no skyscrapers, glass towers with helicopter pads, even in the business districts of the city. If the concept of “average height” were applicable to cities, then Edinburgh’s growth would hardly exceed our usual “five-story building”.

Old city- these are medieval buildings, houses of the Victorian era and modern buildings neatly fitted between them. One of these is the Scottish Parliament building in Hollyrood, which cost the treasury not a lot, not a little, 400 thousand pounds sterling and “kopecks”. The people's opinion about the parliament was very divided - some were perplexed by the design, location and, most importantly, the price. Others did not see anything wrong with this, but, on the contrary, were proud of this symbol of modern architecture.

Well, the dear architect got caught, well, a Catalan... Go and figure out now what was there and how it happened...

It’s probably best to keep my personal opinion on this matter to myself, so as not to offend either one or the other. I will only note that this design is amazing and certainly very unusual. If you're in Edinburgh, be sure to check it out for yourself.

We can talk endlessly about the architecture of Edinburgh, so I’ll tell you about the most interesting, in my opinion, objects and places in the city.

Harry Potter is a name well known to hundreds of millions of people, but not everyone knows that many places in Edinburgh served as inspiration for various episodes and scenes in the book. JK Rowling herself, by the way, still lives in this city.

Thus, the architecture of George Heriot's school became the prototype of Hogwarts. The roof of the tower and the stone facade are exactly like the description of the school of magic in the book.

From the Grassmarket, the square under Edinburgh Castle, comes Victoria Street, a winding street with shops of local craftsmen and cafes. So, this street in the novel became Diagon Alley, and instead of Scottish souvenirs and crafts, of course, various magical things were sold there.

And in hotel Balmoral near the Waverley Station railway station, Rowling finished writing her magical epic and left an autograph with a marker on a marble bust in one of the rooms (the bust is still in the room to this day). By the way, this room (the J.K. Rowling Suite, formerly known as room 552) can now be rented for around £1,000 per night. If you have that kind of money, great! I envy you... in a white way, of course. But if your accommodation budget is more modest, then nearby, across the road there is a quite decent place - Apex Waterloo Place Hotel. This is a cozy hotel, “four” for a reasonable price. The hotel has a spa, and the rooms are stocked with British Elemis cosmetics. A small thing, but nice.

Since we are talking about the city center, from the very intersection where Balmoral stands, Princess Street begins, one of the main streets of the capital. There are shops, boutiques, banks and cafes here. If you watched the legendary film Trainspotting with Ewan McGregor, the first scene, where Renton is running with a crazy look, starts with shots on this street.

There is also the Walter Scott monument, the luxurious Jenners shopping center, a huge Apple Store that will delight all Yabloko fans, and the Princess Street Gardens. The background for all this is the landscapes of the old city with Edinburgh Castle. Just imagine these views! Oh, by the way, you can always hear the sounds of bagpipes here. “Pipers,” as they are called here, they are also bagpipers, stand in winter and summer, dressed in Scottish national costumes. If you are annoyed by loud sounds, it is better to avoid the bagpipers; you won’t have to cover your ears.

George Street runs parallel to Princess Street. This street is less than a kilometer long, it connects two squares - the less crowded Charlotte Square at one end with the lively St Andrew Square, the patron saint of Scotland ( St Andrew Square) at the other. Let’s make a reservation right away: the area on a Scottish scale has nothing in common with domestic ones. Everything here is more modest in size. What is remarkable about George Street and St. Andrew Square? Classic shopping and restaurants - it's all here. Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Michael Kors, Boss, Hilfiger, Mulberry and Harvey Nichols are a popular shopping center located adjacent to the square. And “George Street” is decorated with shop windows of Jo Malone, The White Company (London), Cath Kidston, Hollister, Hard Rock Cafe and The Dome restaurant gourmet cuisine, bar and club. By the way, this place, or rather the building itself, served as a bank for the city in the past. When I first saw this place, I didn’t believe that it was “just” a restaurant. It looks especially beautiful from the outside at Christmas, when garlands are placed over the columns and lights are lit. Everything looks like a Christmas card!

Edinburgh Castle

Perhaps the main attraction of the city, but far from the only one, is Edinburgh Castle. According to historians, the castle is about a thousand years old. It is located on a rock and access to it is provided only from one side, which is not surprising, because its task was to defend the city. Today the castle attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. What to see inside: the “stone of destiny”, without which not a single coronation of British monarchs takes place, artifacts and, most importantly, jewelry leading to the origins of the monarchy of Mary, Queen of Scots. Entry costs £17.

What to see in Edinburgh in two days

If you only have a couple of days to get to know the city, a weekend, for example, be sure to take a walk around the city. Almost all the main attractions are located in its central part, that is, within walking distance, so you are sure to stumble upon something interesting. This is actually the beauty of this compact city.

For those who like walking, especially if you are with small children, I advise you to take a walk in Meadows Park, there are two small playgrounds and various cafes around. My favorite is Victor Hugo. Fresh bread and buns, different types of smoked meat, olives, salads and hot snacks here are simply delicious. Address 26/29 Melville Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1LP.

Arthur's saddle

From anywhere in the city you will be able to see a mountain called Arthur’s Seat. This place is located on the territory of Holyrood Park, the height of the hill is 251 meters above sea level, just imagine the panorama of the city from this place. Standing on the mountain, a former volcano, by the way, it seems that the planes are just a stone's throw away.

Calton Hill

The closest observation deck to the center is Calton Hill, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's easy to see why, as there are so many wonderful monuments and cultural sites located here. National Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, Nelson's Spyglass Monument, the Old Royal High School, Robert Burns Monument and City Observatory.

Edinburgh beaches

Yes, don't let that surprise you. Since the city is located on the shores of a bay, it means there must be beaches. Logical, right? Even though most sites on the Internet will tell you that average temperature in Edinburgh it rarely exceeds +20C; during my four years of living there I went to the beach to swim every year. The water, of course, is not the warmest, but several times a year the air temperature in Edinburgh can be +25 or even higher. On such days, people relax in parks, gather for a picnic wherever there is a lawn and, of course, go to the beach. Edinburgh's beaches are clean and beautiful. Especially if you drive further away from the city towards Berwick (Berwick-upon-Tweed).

Edinburgh Zoo

Love animal world? Then head to Edinburgh Zoo! Penguins, zebras, rhinoceroses, lions and tigers live together in this establishment. The zoo is located on hilly terrain, on the one hand, this gives the place excellent panoramic views of the city, on the other hand, get ready for a serious load, climbing up is quite a task! It's worth it though.

Botanic Garden in Edinburgh

My family's favorite place to go for walks has always been the botanical garden. A very beautiful and cozy place at any time of the year, but in spring and summer it is especially good here. Exotic plants, gazebos and beds of botanist students, where they grow various vegetables and fruits - all this creates an idyllic atmosphere. I must admit, I often passed by these beds, picking the harvest there. It tastes better in nature!

Healthy

For everyone who is planning to visit the capital of Scotland, it is worth noting that they cost from 13 thousand rubles. Direct flights to Edinburgh from Russia on this moment No. At one time, the British low-cost airline easyJet tried to establish this route, but, unfortunately, nothing worked out in the long term. I hope there will be brave souls who will open this direction. You already know how to get to Edinburgh from London, so it’s up to you.

If you are not planning to attend the Fringe Festival or the Edinburgh International Festival, then the best time to visit the city is in May or July. Accommodation prices tend to skyrocket during the festivals (August, early September), but in late spring and summer you may be lucky with both the weather and prices.

In addition to the Edinburgh hotels that I have already mentioned, it is also worth noting a couple of hostels: Castlerock and Kick Ass Hostel. Both are in the Grassmarket area overlooking the castle. Prices here start from £7 per bed - what the budget traveler needs.

We will return to England along a parallel route

Bagpipes are an indispensable attribute of ethnic music, so from now on I will have such an association with Scotland. Here bagpipes are a source of national pride. This military instrument was used in war to raise the morale of the army, and also served to intimidate enemies. Taking photographs near bagpipes is not free. I don’t know how much it costs. In England, my husband and I stayed with friends who wouldn’t even let us open our wallet. They drove their car around the cities and towns of England and Scotland, met and escorted them to Luton Airport, which is a four-hour drive from the city of Middlesbrough, where they live. By the way, Edinburgh, where we are heading, is 3.5 hours from Middlesbrough. I always considered our family to be very hospitable, but after the trip I realized that we have a lot to learn.

In the meantime, we are drawn to the flag of Scotland.

The Scottish flag is one of the oldest national flags in the world. Its appearance, according to legend, dates back to 832, when King Angus, before the battle with the Anglo-Saxons, saw in the sky a sign in the form of an X-shaped cross, on which, according to legend, Andrew the First-Called, considered the patron saint of Scotland, was crucified. The battle was won, and the image of a white cross on a sky-blue field became one of the symbols of Scotland. The Scottish flag was included as a component in the flag of Great Britain.

Scotland is rich not only in official state symbols; along with it, there are also so-called semi-official symbols.

"No one will touch me without getting hurt"

This motto, together with the thistle flower, appeared on the royal coat of arms in 1702.

Monument to the Scots Grays who died in the Boer War of 1899-1902
The thistle is the plant symbol of Scotland. Therefore, it is not surprising in Scotland to find thistles next to the monuments of heroes or in flower beds next to cultivated plants.
Often the inhabitants of this country associate the character of the thistle with their own: unpretentious, stubborn, purposeful. But not only for this reason the thistle received the proud name “symbol of Scotland”.

The legend, whose roots go back more than a thousand years to one battle of Lunkart, says that the Scots were able to win thanks to the help of thistles.

One day, warlike Viking troops landed on the coast of Scotland with the goal of conquering the country. The Scots sent their army towards the enemy, which stopped for a halt on the Tay River. At this time, the Vikings had just approached the crossing.
In order not to wake up the enemy army, they took off their shoes and began to gradually approach. But one of the warriors stepped on a thistle, cried out in pain, and the awakened Scots managed to meet them with a worthy rebuff. The weed that saved the lives of an entire people was called the “Guardian Thistle” and became a symbol of Scotland. Moreover, in 1687, the Order of the Knights of the Thistle was founded by the Scottish King James VII, which consists of a monarch and sixteen knights.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland

Edinburgh is the ancient capital of Scotland; the history of this city goes back to the distant past. Edinburgh was first mentioned in history in the 6th century AD. Before the conquest of Scotland by the British, Edinburgh was one of the most important centers of social and political life in the country. For many centuries this was the residence of Scottish kings.
Edinburgh is not just a beautiful ancient city, an image of medieval architecture, whose streets keep memories of brave knights, and castles and palaces - of its kings. Today Edinburgh is home to an annual summer arts festival. Every year in August, the best theater and concert companies in the world, as well as a multi-million army of fans and tourists, come to Edinburgh.

In the heart of the city, Edinburgh Castle stands majestically on a steep cliff. It is located on the top of an extinct volcano, at an altitude of 80 meters, and is considered the symbol of the city. The fortress is protected on three sides by steep cliffs. It is the main attraction of Edinburgh, personifying the pride and inaccessibility of Scotland.
The history of the castle is a history of conquests, sieges, betrayals, the struggle for independence, treaties, and destruction. Kings and the first nobles of the state visited here. During World War II, a prison was set up here for captured German Luftwaffe pilots.

From the outside it seems as if the castle, standing on a rock, is floating above the city.
Edinburgh Castle is also an excellent setting for the annual military band festival. Celebrations are also held here New Year. The walls of the castle are illuminated by the lights of beautiful fireworks. The Harry Potter saga was also filmed in Edinburgh.

And it's not all about the wizard Harry Potter. The Elephant House cafe positions itself as Harry's birthplace. The first book about him was written here. JK Rowling came to Edinburgh at a very difficult time in her life. Left alone with a child after a divorce from her husband and without a job, she came to a cafe and sat all day with one cup of coffee and wrote her book. Having gained worldwide fame, she moved to a large house in a prestigious area of ​​Edinburgh.

In the foreground is a monument to Allan Ramsay

The main areas of Edinburgh are the Old Town and the New Town. Most interesting area Edinburgh - Old Town. It is here that Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Museum, Holyrood Palace, St. Giles' Cathedral and many interesting medieval buildings are located.

Royal Mile in Edinburgh

The famous Royal Mile street in the Old City is made up of four streets that flow into each other, connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace.

This segment is called a mile because the distance between them is a little more than a mile - 1707 meters. This Mile also includes small streets that diverge from the main one in different directions.

The history of the Royal Mile goes back more than 800 years - it dates back to the 12th century, when King David I decided to organize a market in the square in front of his castle and build a street. A little later this street was renamed High Street. Wooden houses and courtyards for raising livestock began to be built here. Four centuries later, the British burned them and built new houses from stone.
The Royal Mile was a collection of merchants and artisans. Taverns and brothels operated here around the clock. The Inquisition met here and financial affairs were carried out.
Tourists are attracted by such attractions as the Museum of Childhood, the Thistle Chapel, the Gothic Cathedral called St. Giles, St. John's Church with the big tower and a spire.

The Royal Mile and St John Kirk
This is the tallest church in Edinburgh, its height is 72 meters.

St. John's Church (not active) is in neo gothic style. It is home to the Edinburgh Festivals Society.

St. Giles Cathedral
The cathedral was built in 1124. It is dedicated to Saint Giles, patron of the crippled and lepers, a very popular saint in the Middle Ages. The oldest parts of the building are the four massive central pillars. In 1385 the cathedral burned down and was subsequently restored. During the construction, the church was enlarged by adding several chapels. The crown jewel of the cathedral is the Thistle Chapel, built by Robert Lorimer for the Knights of the Thistle in 1911. Entry is free, but a donation of at least £1 is required. It is worth noting that the entrance to the rest of Edinburgh's cathedrals is paid, and it cannot be called cheap.

Along the Royal Mile you can find many interesting historical buildings, each of which has its own fascinating history from the distant past.

In stores you can buy a kilt, a piece of national clothing. It is not entirely correct to call a piece of fabric wrapped around the waist a skirt. A bag for small things - a sporran - is usually worn in front.
Choosing and buying a Scottish kilt for yourself is not an easy job, because there are a huge number of different parameters and classifications on the basis of which you should choose a kilt. It is worth noting that exotic kilts are bought not only by descendants of Scottish emigrants, but also by people with big wallets. A set of clan clothing (a handmade kilt with an apron, boots, beret, badger skin bag and jewelry) costs about 1,000 euros.

Kilts are made from wool (both traditional machine-made kilts and exclusive custom-tailored kilts) or polyviscose (usually everyday kilts or inexpensive models of traditional kilts). There are kilts made from 5 (about 4.5 m) or 8 (7.3 m) yards of material. According to the method of tailoring, they determine: everyday kilt, hunting kilt, formal kilt, large kilt, alternative kilt.
The fabric from which the kilt is made has a wide variety of checkered colors and is called tartan. In Scotland, the choice of colors depends on belonging to a particular Scottish clan.

The word "tuar tan", from which comes "tartan", which in Welsh (Gaelic) means the color of the area... Each clan designed its own tartan, after which it was woven by hand from the wool of domestic sheep and became the traditional clan tartan. This is how fabric options developed, specific to each region, and by the colors of clothes one could determine where a person was from. The paints used were of plant origin. Thus, black paint was obtained from alder bark, blue - from blueberries, green - from cornflower, red - from rock lichen, yellow - from ferns and ossicles, brown - from seaweed. Different plants - dyes - grew in different areas, and even the water in each valley could contain different chemical elements, so that the color of the tartan was characteristic of that area.

Pinhole camera

This attraction is enjoying unprecedented success: already in street mirrors you can see yourself from the outside,

...and forces you to use gymnastic exercises: rise, squat...

You can not only imagine, but clearly see how you will be destroyed if you don’t go on a diet

...or how great it is to look thinner

...or drunk with happiness

However, for such a condition it is better to check in at the Whiskey Museum. The word "whiskey" comes from the Welsh expression uisce beatha ("water of life"). Scotch whiskey is not just a drink, but a world-famous brand, the history of the country, the history of strong alcohol. It is in Edinburgh that the largest collection is collected, which numbers more than 3.5 thousand bottles. In the museum you can learn about the process of making real Scotch whiskey. The cost of admission depends on the number of tastings chosen. Here you can buy the “water of life”, but in stores the prices are more humane

Narrow alleys with the word court (yard) or close (closed, dead end) diverge from the Royal Mile in both directions.

These streets often slope down sharply, so they are equipped with steps.

Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
Having purchased an entrance ticket, you can enter the castle grounds. Within the walls of the fortress there are several museums, many of them with military themes. Alas, not all museums allow you to take photographs. You can climb observation deck, offering wonderful views of Edinburgh. Tourists try to get here at one o'clock in the afternoon - every day at this time a cannon fires from the fortress walls of the castle (except for Sundays, Good Friday and the Nativity of Christ). This tradition is a memory of the time when the chronometers on ships docked in Forth Bay were adjusted by gun shots.

Princes Street Gardens
(translated from English: Princes Street Gardens)

Princes Street Gardens is a city park in the center of Edinburgh, located in the city center, occupying the lowland between the Old and New Towns.
The park was laid out in the 1820s on the site of Nor Loch, an artificial lake created in the Middle Ages to protect the city from the north and which by the 18th century had turned into a huge drainage basin. The lake was gradually drained at the end of the 18th century as part of the expansion of the city in a northern direction, and it was decided to establish a park on the freed territory. Princes Street Gardens is the most famous park in Edinburgh and the most visited among both citizens and visitors to the city. The park hosts various concerts and events, including a fireworks festival and Hogmanay celebrations (a pagan Scottish holiday last day per year. Celebrations include torchlight processions, fireworks, and burnings.

Walter Scott Memorial in Edinburgh 61 meters high, made of sandstone, designed in the Gothic style.

The memorial, erected in 1840, is decorated with sculptures of heroes of the famous writer.

In the center of the memorial is a sculpture of Walter Scott.

At the entrance on the east side of the park there is a monument to the dog. In Edinburgh there is a monument to the most devoted dog in the world - the terrier Bobby, who spent 14 years at his owner's grave. The history of this monument, probably no less interesting, could not be discovered.

The flower clock was installed 10 years ago. The composition of the dial changes every year, but the hands always show the exact time.

Ross Fountain in Edinburgh

The Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh houses the magnificent bronze Ross Fountain. At this fountain interesting story. It was cast at the Durenne metallurgical plant in Haute-Marne and presented at the Great London Exposition in 1862. There he really liked the philanthropist and weapons creator Daniel Ross, who bought it for the city of Edinburgh. The fountain was dismantled into 122 parts, but was delivered to its place only in 1868. It took another four years to find and agree on the best place for him in the city. In 1872, the choice finally fell on Princes Street Gardens.

Female figures symbolizing science, art, poetry and industry

The composition of the fountain also includes figures of mermaids

and a naked female figure on top

The installation of a fountain with naked women in close proximity to two parish churches caused conflicting opinions between supporters and opponents. For example, Edward Bannerman Ramsay, rector of the nearby St. John's Episcopal Church, described it as "extremely indecent and disgusting." And yet, since 1872, the fountain, named after the philanthropist Daniel Ross "Ross Fountain", has delighted visitors to the city in this very place. True, on the day we visited here, for some reason the water was turned off.

The Ferris wheel offers a majestic view of the park, ancient buildings, and the fortress. This pleasure costs 29 pounds (180 shekels).

Almost tame seagulls walk around the park

Untamed squirrels get food, and crows try to take food from them

Some more buildings in Edinburgh

Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh

Gallery building detail

The University of Edinburgh is one of the country's main higher education institutions.

The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is visible in the distance

Bank of Scotland Headquarters
By the way, the pound note issued by an English bank differs in appearance from the pound note issued by a Scottish bank, although they are equivalent in monetary relations.

Not far from the city there is an observatory building

Visiting different cities, each of us feels differently in them. Sometimes everyone’s beloved Budapest evokes absolutely no emotions, but in some small town in the north of Spain you want to come back again and again. I like to explain such phenomena by saying that every city, regardless of size, has its own vibrations, and when you get into it, you either begin to vibrate in unison or remain cool to each other. Sometimes you get the feeling that you are at home, even if you have never been to this place before. That's when "Love" happens. This is exactly what happened to me with Edinburgh, which is in my personal rating comes first. And so far none of the cities visited can dislodge him from there.

The first thing you see when leaving the airport

Arriving in Edinburgh, the first thing you will be surprised by is that you don’t understand English at all. Although just the day before, they seemed to be fluent in it. And here we must remember about the jokes the British made about the Scottish language and give them credit for the fact that this is all for a reason. The Scots speak English with the addition of a Scottish dialect and an admixture of words from the ancient Gaelic language. Therefore, be patient with the fact that at first you will get used to the strange dialect local residents. Also, get used to the unusual left-handed traffic. Be especially careful when crossing the road: first look to the right, and then walk.

Edinburgh became the capital of the state of Scotland, which is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, in 1437. During its existence, the city experienced many troubled historical periods, which were reflected in its architecture, culture and mentality of the Scots. Edinburgh's population is small - about 500 thousand people. One taxi driver told us that the industrialized city of Glasgow, which is several times larger in population than all other cities in Scotland, holds a grudge against Edinburgh for its status as the capital.

Edinburgh will not surprise you with high-rise buildings like New York, here you will not find historical ruins like in Rome, the weather will not please you with warm sunshine like Barcelona. There is a special medieval atmosphere here ancient city, which may not be to everyone's taste. You will especially feel this on the main street of Edinburgh - the Royal Mile.

The first thing you should do is visit main street— The Royal Mile, which is a real tourist mecca, because here there are all kinds of souvenir shops where you can buy absolutely everything, from kilts to small bottles of whiskey and magnets. But don’t rush to spend your money here, because most of the goods are designed for tourists, which means that the quality will be quite low. If you want to buy a real Scottish kilt, then you should google workshops that specialize in sewing them, and in this case the quality will not disappoint you, and it will last forever.

The length of the Royal Mile is 1.8 km. It starts from Edinburgh Castle and stretches down to Holyrood Palace. Amazingly beautiful and interesting places will await you literally at every step.

Business card of the city - Edinburgh castle (Edinburgh Castle) , like the Colosseum in Rome or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It is located on top of a rock, which is actually an extinct volcano, the last eruption of which dates back to about 300 million years ago. The castle has gone through a lot in its history long history: within its walls the Scottish Parliament met, it was the residence of the Scottish kings, it served as a factory for the production and storage of weapons, its walls were a prison. And finally, in 1811, the castle was given the status of a National Monument and opened to tourists. Now you can easily go inside and get acquainted with the rich history of the Scottish people, which has been preserved within its walls. In one of its many chambers there is The stone of Destiny or the Stone of Scone - a sacred relic of Scotland. It is a stone block weighing 152 kg and many believe that it has biblical origins. It was used for the coronation ceremony of all Scottish kings. But in 1292, the stone was taken by force and transported to Westminster Abbey in London, and from that time on, English monarchs were crowned with its help. In 1950, several desperate students stole it and threw it into the destroyed Arbroath Abbey (Arbroath abbey), which is located northeast of Edinburgh. The stone was returned back to London, but after some time it was returned to its rightful place - to Edinburgh Castle, and now it is located next to the crown of the Scottish king and other historical regalia. Among other things, the castle is haunted, which is not surprising for medieval buildings with such a dark history. A ghost piper settled here, who was allowed into the dungeons during his lifetime to explore them, and since then no one has seen him. Only in the evenings do people hear the sound of bagpipes coming from underground. Edinburgh Castle is considered one of the most terrible castles in Europe.

Walking along the Royal Mile you will see St Giles' Cathedral (St Giles‘ Cathedral) , belonging to the Presbyterian Church. Built in a dark Gothic style, and named after St. Giles, who was the patron saint of cripples and lepers. Legend has it that during a royal hunt, an arrow accidentally hit the hermit Giles, who lived in the forest, and severely wounded him. Having learned about the wounded monk, the king offered him the best court healers and healers, but Giles humbly refused these services. Believing in the holiness of this man, the king ordered the construction of a monastery for him.

The unique architectural feature of this cathedral is that its upper spire is designed in the form of a royal crown, which has no analogues anywhere in the world. Inside is the chapel of the ancient knightly order of the Thistle, and each year it hosts initiation rites for new members of the community. And within the walls of the Cathedral lies the famous Scottish writer, author of the novel “Treasure Island,” Robert Louis Stevenson.

As you walk down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, be sure to check out the different branches of the streets. There you can find secluded places, which, nevertheless, are very impressive with their history. One of these places turned out to be the infamous dead end Mary King (Mary King’ s close) . This place is on the list of the most scary places Europe, along with the mystical Irish. It is a network of streets in the dungeons of Edinburgh, above which stands modern city. In the 17th century, when the plague epidemic was raging and the number of deaths and illnesses exceeded all acceptable limits, it was decided to isolate part of the city and leave all infected people there to die. After some time, construction of a new city began above these streets, which you can now observe. When descending into this dungeon, be prepared to see truly gloomy medieval streets. You can go into living quarters, see how the streets were cleaned and see for yourself the lack of basic hygiene. By the way, the tour is conducted by a man in clothes that were typical for those who removed corpses from the street, which further adds to the horror of your tour. Here, many eyewitnesses observe ghosts and apparitions, and some even manage to capture them on camera. There is a gloomy room here, which is almost filled to the top with soft toys. They all belong to the little ghost girl Annie, who was left to die by her parents during her lifetime in this isolated area for plague patients. She suffered greatly and missed them. After death, her soul did not calm down, and now she wanders through the dark labyrinths of the dungeon and is looking for her parents. This sign was first discovered by the Japanese medium Aiko Giko, who was filming a film about paranormal phenomena In Great Britain. She physically could not enter this room, because the aura of pain that she felt here prevented her from doing so. She described a little girl who missed her parents and couldn't understand why she was left here alone. In addition, the ghost was always looking for her doll, which she could not find. After this information, the medium went outside and bought a toy for the girl in a nearby store. Since then, many people have brought various toys to little Annie as a consolation, and if this continues to happen, then it will soon be impossible to enter the room due to the abundance of gifts. Impressionable people should not go down into these dungeons, but for everyone else this is a great opportunity to see how people lived during the Middle Ages.

Almost at the bottom of the Royal Mile is Canongate Kirk which belongs to the Presbyterian Church. In the distant past, the area in which the church stands was not part of Edinburgh, but after some time it became an integral part of it. Several famous Scots are buried in the cemetery of Canongey Church: the economist Adam Smith and the poet Robert Fergusson, to whom a monument is erected opposite the entrance.

Not far from the Royal Mile there is a monument to a small dog, which went down in history as an example of devotion and endless love, which once again proves that man’s best friend is a dog. Greyfriars Bobby (Greyfriars Bobby) , a Skye terrier breed, won the hearts of people with his loyalty, because for fourteen years, until his own death, he guarded the grave of his owner, John Gray, who died of tuberculosis in Edinburgh. The dog was fed by people from a nearby bar, which was later renamed in Bobby's honor.

Edinburgh, like Rome and Kyiv, is a city standing on seven hills. And on one of Edinburgh's hills there is a wonderful view of the city. It is called Calton Hill (Calton Hill) , and is considered the most popular observation deck in the city. From here you can see a panorama of the old and new parts of the city, as well as the hill called Arthur's Seat, which is actually an extinct volcano. You can climb it yourself.

The beautiful rotunda on Calton Hill, built of 9 arches, is reminiscent of the Greek architectural style, and is a monument to the Scottish philosopher and educator Dugald Stewart. The gazebo was built in 1831 by analogy with the monument to Lysicrates in Athens.

But no monument in Scotland can compare with the incredible construction in honor of famous writer, poet and historian Sir Walter Scott, who is considered the founder of the historical novel genre. Its Gothic spire is visible from anywhere in Edinburgh, as the height of the monument is 61 meters. It is located on Princess Street, next to Waverley Station, which is named after Scott's novel Waverley. The stone from which the monument is built attracts dirt and dust like a magnet, so against the background of other buildings it looks really gloomy. The project cost the state £5,000 and was built in 6 years. There are many lawns around the monument with short-cut grass and it is always very lively, especially if the weather is favorable for walking. People sit on the ground and relax, read books or simply enjoy the sun.

At the end of Princess Street lies one of the most beautiful and... expensive hotels Edinburgh - Hotel Balmoral (Balmoral hotel) , which has been welcoming guests since 1902. This very beautiful Victorian building is aimed primarily at travellers, as it is located next to Waverley Station. Room rates in this hotel start from 207 euros for a Standard room and can reach 1000 euros per night.

At the very bottom of the Royal Mile you can see Hollyrood Palace, the modern Scottish Parliament and the Royal Gallery.

We were in Edinburgh twice, and I can say that if it were up to me and the unlimited validity of the visa, I would come here at least every month to feel and plunge into this fabulous atmosphere my most favorite city.

Edinburgh instantly evokes associations with castles on granite rocks, wrought iron bars, and ancient mirrors in heavy frames. This is partly true - castles are found in abundance in the Old Town, as well as various art galleries and museums. However, this city is truly alive. The day can be spent exploring the sights of Edinburgh, but the evening is better spent in a pub with a cheerful conversation or in a restaurant overlooking the harbour. After all, Edinburgh is multifaceted. Don't miss any of his appearances.

A nice bonus only for our readers - a discount coupon when paying for tours on the website until March 31:

• AF500guruturizma - promotional code for 500 rubles for tours from 40,000 rubles
• AFT1500guruturizma - promotional code for tours to Thailand from RUB 80,000

Until May 31, offers promotional codes for tours to exotic countries- Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, Indonesia, Cuba, Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, Tanzania, Bahrain. The number of tourists on the tour is from 2 adults.

• Promotional code for 1,000 ₽ “LT-EXOT-1000” for tours from 7 nights
• Promo code for 1,500 ₽ “LT-EXOT-1500” for tours from 8 to 12 nights
• Promotional code for 2,000 ₽ “LT-EXOT-2000” for tours from 13 nights

The Royal Mile includes four streets, forming a vast and rather confusing quarter. It consists of an intricacy of smaller streets that weave around the Mile. The start of the Mile is believed to be at Edinburgh Castle. Here, around the twelfth century, a market appeared, around which wooden houses quickly appeared, which were also quickly burned by the British. Gradually, the purely commercial vector of the Royal Mile began to change its direction: it seemed that it had become a kind of New Babylon with a hundred or two professions, concessions and languages.

The Inquisition met here, its fires burned cheerfully, taverns and brothels opened their doors hospitably, the central court and the place where death sentences were carried out were nearby. Life on the Royal Mile was vibrant, as it is today. Parliament Square, Holyrood Bridge, Camera Obscura, St. Giles' Cathedral are attractions for every taste.

Holyroodhouse Palace

Almost at the very end of the Royal Mile there is a working royal residence where members of the royal family stay. As a rule, this happens in the summer - at this time the palace is closed to tourists. The history of the castle began in the twelfth century with the unsuccessful Sunday hunt of King David, who himself almost became a hunting trophy. Miraculous Rescue the monarch was the reason for the construction of first the abbey, and then Holyrood Castle.

Tourists can visit the royal dining room, the throne room, where ceremonies for knighting the Thistle are still held, the chambers of Mary Stuart with an authentic setting, as well as the royal gallery, which contains portraits of the royals who sat on the throne of Scotland throughout almost its entire history. . You can also stroll through the palace gardens and climb to Arthur's Seat. In winter, the palace is open to the public from 09:30 to 16:30, summer time– until 18:00. The price for an adult ticket is £11.30.

Holyrood Abbey

Adjacent to Holyroodhouse Palace is Holyrood Abbey. The once thriving church is now a deplorable – but no less magnificent – ​​spectacle. The gloomy ruins of once lush halls are now covered in moss. Electric lighting is unnecessary here - in some places there are not enough large areas of the roof. But in the Middle Ages, meetings of nobles were often held here and the most important political decisions were made!

Over the past three hundred years, many local and foreign architects have proposed projects for the reconstruction of this cultural heritage, but none of them were ever realized. You can enter the Abbey grounds with a ticket to visit Holyroodhouse Palace. Their visiting hours are also the same.

Edinburgh castle

If you look at the castle from the city, you get the impression that it is floating in the air. It was originally created as a fortress and for many centuries was used for fortification purposes by various forces and political groups. Since the twelfth century, it became the official royal residence, and then the arena of the main actions in the confrontation between England and Scotland. The main royal relic, the Stone of Destiny, is also kept here.

Monarchs at all times laid their hands on him to solemnly take an oath before a high assembly. A tour of the castle will allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of robberies, sieges, betrayals, political and love advances, prison everyday life and even magic - this is where some elements of the Harry Potter saga were filmed. Entrance fee is £16.50. In winter, the castle can be visited from 09:30 to 17:00; in summer, visiting hours are extended by an hour.

Scott Monument

One of the most crowded and noisy train stations in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Waverley, is located on Princes Street. It is not surprising that such a significant place received an equally significant name. The station was named after one of Walter Scott's characters, and not far from the giant building there is a magnificent monument. Its height exceeds sixty meters.

If you don’t know that this monument was erected in honor of the great Scottish writer, you might think that this is an unusual neo-Gothic church of the Victorian era - the composition of this monument is so large-scale and architecturally intricate. It almost opens best views to central Edinburgh, however, for the sake of admiration you will have to climb one of spiral staircases, that is, to overcome almost three hundred steps. The real architectural highlight of the monument is the sculpture of Walter Scott himself, sitting in a chair and stroking his dog.

Puffin Mary King

Just four hundred years ago, the quarter of Mary King, who was the daughter of a very successful lawyer, was perhaps the busiest in the capital. The King family owned most of the local buildings, and everything was going well until a plague outbreak occurred in the city. They began to round up those infected with the plague into Mary King's quarter, in order to then make them prisoners of these streets, simply walling up the dying people. The most famous of these sufferers was Little Annie, a girl who was put in the “basement of the dead” and is still searching for her parents. Oddly enough, there is still no powerful justification for such a heartbreaking story. All that is known for sure is that it was a quarantine zone.

Nothing can be said with complete certainty about “walling up”. One way or another, gradually they began to build a New City over the dead end, and soon it turned into a kind of catacombs, from which they ultimately turned it into a tourist attraction. It is better not to go down here without a guide and a powerful flashlight - you can get lost in no time. For an entrance ticket to the “city of the dead” you will have to pay 12.5 pounds. It is worth checking the opening hours on the official website, as they are constantly being adjusted.

Cathedral of Saint Egidio

This cathedral is better known as St. Giles' Cathedral. It is officially considered the main Presbyterian church in the country. Its construction began in the fourteenth century. Once upon a time, an ancient church stood on the site of the cathedral. Some of the pillars of the former building still support the vaults of the modern cathedral. Many people find the Cathedral of Sant'Egidio a bit gloomy with its Victorian stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. As a rule, the most interesting place is the Thistle Chapel, where knightings still take place today.

The walls of this old chapel are painted with numerous coats of arms of aristocrats, members of eminent families and crowned persons who at different times were honored with becoming Knights of the Thistle. The cathedral grounds also contain the crypts of many famous Scottish personalities. During the summer, the cathedral can be visited from 09:00 to 19:00; special schedules apply on weekends. In winter it is open until 17:00. Entrance fee is £3, the opportunity to take several photos will cost £2.

Craigmillar Castle

Once a whole village grew around Craigmillar Castle, but now there are only numerous buildings around the central part of Edinburgh. The specificity of the castle is that it is perhaps the only Scottish castle that has preserved its authentic appearance. The first mentions of it date back to the beginning of the thirteenth century.

The most ancient components of the castle appeared another hundred years later. Among the most famous dead to ever reside in Craigmillar is Mary Stuart. The castle is open to visitors all year round. An adult ticket costs £6.

Greyfriars Kirk Church

Once upon a time, on the site of the modern church there was an abbey of the Franciscan Order - “Abbey of the Gray Brothers”. It is considered one of the oldest buildings outside Edinburgh's Old Town. Its age is estimated at four centuries. For a long time it consisted of two buildings, the earlier of which dates back to the Reformation period. This church has long been a real stronghold of Presbyterianism.

Greyfriars Kirk was the first Presbyterian church to have a stained glass window and even an organ. No less famous than the church itself is the local cemetery. Among the local ghosts there is a Jack the Ripper and a Hachiko, about whom several novels have been written.

National Portrait Gallery

The Scots took the creation of a national collection of portraiture and photography seriously. The very idea of ​​opening such a gallery caused a wide resonance in society, but the government was in no hurry to invest money in this project. The first sketches of the modern gallery appeared through the efforts of the then famous philanthropist John Findlay, who two centuries ago allocated funds for the creation of a special building to house the collections.

The red sandstone building in the neo-Gothic style with stucco and numerous sculptural compositions on the eastern and northern facades still makes many passersby gaze at it. You can visit the gallery from 10:00 to 17:00 on all days except Thursday. On Thursdays it closes two hours later. Admission to the National Treasury of Portraiture is free.

Scottish Whiskey Heritage Center

Scotch whiskey has been a brand for centuries. This is not just a brand of alcohol, but the history of the country and its character. The whiskey heritage center today houses more than three thousands of collectible bottles of this drink. This project is always relevant, since the government is happy to invest money in the development of the center and attract partners.

The center itself occupies a sprawling building on the Royal Mile. The excursion usually includes theoretical and practical parts. Moreover, the practical experience is striking in its variability - usually the guest is offered to taste more than a hundred varieties of whiskey, which are produced in different regions of the country. The center is open from 10:00 to 18:30. An entrance ticket will cost a minimum of 14.5 pounds.

Museum "Our Dynamic Earth"

The museum amazes you even before you get acquainted with its exhibitions. The roof of this building is made in the form of a giant membrane, which is stretched on metal cables. It was decided to celebrate the new millennium in such an unusual way. The museum maintains an ideal balance of scientific reliability and entertainment in the presentation of material.

Thus, museum guests will be able to get a holistic picture of the processes through which the Earth was formed, as well as the various stages of animal development and flora. Another important milestone is scientific forecasting. Questions of alternative evolution are raised. Full ticket price is £12.50 children's ticket will cost £7.95. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:30.

National Museum of Scotland

The modern national museum is the result of the merger of the museum of antiquities and Royal Museum. It is noteworthy that we are talking not only about moving collections and creating new excursion programs, but also about combining two buildings - a modern constructivist and an old Victorian one. The exhibitions relate to various fields of knowledge: history, geology, natural history, cultural studies.

Sometimes it seems that this entire flow of information has no system: next to the stuffed cloned sheep Dolly there is a hall of Elton John’s creativity, which goes into a hall with artifacts from Ancient Egypt. The most vivid impressions usually remain from Great Hall– the largest room of the museum, richly decorated with bird sculptures and filled with light. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00. Entrance to the museum is free.

National Gallery of Modern Art

The gallery opened only at the end of the twentieth century. A huge building in the neo-Gothic style with a luxurious garden was chosen to house it, which today has been turned into a large-scale sculpture dedicated to Charles Jenkins. According to the creators, the idea is based on chaos theory. The gallery's holdings are so huge that temporary exhibitions have to be held frequently. Visitors can get acquainted with the works of Picasso, Matisse, Nicholson, Braque completely free of charge from 10:00 to 17:00.

Forth Bridge

This bridge has an extremely important function. Essentially, it connects the southeast and northeast of the country. It began to be built at the end of the nineteenth century. During three years of construction, more than sixty people died. The scale of the project is amazing: ten times more metal was spent on it than on the construction of the Eiffel Tower.

The visual effect created by this bridge was so strong that many modern directors, artists and photographers chose it as a backdrop for their works. Some art historians also say that the Forth Bridge is not only an expression of modern art, but also its spiritual inspiration. The duality of nature is fascinating.

Royal Yacht Britannia

This yacht once belonged to Elizabeth II herself. Before being moored at the port of Leith, she achieved the status of the vessel that had been in direct service the longest than any other. She bobbed on the waves for almost forty-four years, making more than a thousand voyages and covering more than a million nautical miles. Most rooms have retained their authentic furnishings. Some cabins and the dining room are used for events. Entry costs £12. Most of the year, visiting is possible from 10:00 to 15:30.

Princess Street Gardens

A huge area of ​​fifteen hectares between New and Old Edinburgh was given over to gardens, which residents and guests of the city still cannot get enough of. Back in the Middle Ages, on the territory of modern gardens, Lake Nor-Loch was created for fortification purposes, which, closer to the onset of modern times, it was decided to drain to create park area. Which was done brilliantly. Soon the two parts of Edinburgh were united by railway, and a huge number of statues and even fountains appeared in the park itself, which are still working.

Tourists come here not only for relaxation, but also to see the famous flower clock and rise above the city on a Ferris wheel. Of course, it is not the highest in the world, but even so it is worth pampering yourself and plunging into the world of the bright lights of the fair fun from a bird's eye view. In the summer months there is a huge fireworks festival, and in the winter there is a skating rink. Entrance to the park is free.

Royal Botanic Garden

This botanical garden has more than a long history. Over almost five centuries of existence, it has changed its location more than once. It is noteworthy that it was originally created for educational purposes, so that young doctors and biologists could study the properties of various medicinal plants. Gradually, the profile changed from teaching to research. Now it is more of a place for educational relaxation. The park is divided into independent thematic zones, some of which are located directly under open air, others are located in greenhouses. If entry to the garden itself is free, then you will have to pay 4.5 pounds to enter some greenhouses.

The workers themselves often call it a rockery the main pearl garden: a mountain river, waterfalls and lakes form a complex system. The Chinese garden is constantly growing and transports guests to the Asian landscape. The palm greenhouse with vines, bamboo and almost all types of palm trees is especially popular among visitors. The heather greenhouse and areas dedicated to local flora have incomparable charm. Entire sections of the garden are dedicated to issues of protection environment. It is best to visit the botanical garden in spring or summer, when all the plants are full of strength. During the warm season, the garden is open from 10:00 to 19:00; in the autumn-winter period it closes at 18:00.

Arthur's throne

The highest of Edinburgh's seven hills is Arthur's Seat, which is located in the park adjacent to Holyrood Castle. Once upon a time, this majestic hill was nothing more than a volcano, but today many call it the “lion’s head,” which is not far from the truth. At a certain angle, the shape of the hill really begins to resemble a formidable predator about to pounce. As for official name hill, according to one version, this is where the legendary Camelot Castle was once located.

The only thing that can be said with complete confidence is that large-scale military battles actually took place on the territory of the hill. True, it is unknown whether King Arthur himself was somehow connected with them. Today, tourists enjoy climbing the hill to capture the colorful panoramas of Edinburgh.

Calton Hill

This hill is located east of the New Town and is another excellent viewing point, although the reputation of this place is not truly pure, rather the opposite. It was here that the city prison was located, and where death sentences were regularly carried out. Today, at the top there is a modern observatory, and three wide avenues diverge in different directions from the hill. A number of monuments adorn Calton Hill. The most unusual of them is the unfinished copy of the Parthenon, which attracts precisely because of its incompleteness.

Edinburgh is a city with rich history and stunning architectural heritage. More than 4,500 buildings in Edinburgh are listed as World Heritage Sites. The contrast of Edinburgh is the contrast of time: the Old Town is the epitome of medieval cityscapes with the main jewel - Edinburgh Castle, and the New Town, preserved in the neoclassical style of the 18th century.

Edinburgh attracts millions of tourists from all over the world with its unusual contrast and unique character. It is quite possible to visit the city, find yourself in its atmosphere, stroll along the cobbled streets with wonderful architecture, travel back in time several centuries ago and see the history of the city with your own eyes, you just need to plan a tour to Scotland.

HISTORY OF EDINBURGH

The history of the city begins in the 6th century. It is known that even then a small wooden church was built here, which indicates the baptism of the Celts - the local residents. In the same century, the Celtic territories were conquered by the Anglo-Saxons, who began to call the local church in their own way - Edin-burh, which meant “Church of Edin”.

Edinburgh was first mentioned in written sources in 1124, when the royal court was moved to Edinburgh and King David ordered the construction of a church in the surrounding area. The order was carried out, and the Church of the Holy Rood was built. With the emergence of the new church, the city began to grow and develop. In the 13th century, the Scottish Parliament appeared, which led to Edinburgh receiving the official status of the capital of Scotland.

The name "Edinburgh", which we are used to mentioning today, became official only in the 14th century, given that locality has existed for 7 centuries. Sometimes the city was mentioned in distorted versions of the name Edynburgh and Edynburghe.

Since 1450, Edinburgh has been surrounded by a high stone wall - a defensive fortress, today this part is known as the Old Town.

Since 1583, after the opening of the university in the city, Edinburgh has become a center of educational and professional development. Large enterprises began to open, and in 1695 the National Bank of Scotland was founded. At the end of the 18th century, the city's population began to grow rapidly and reached 35,000 people. To solve the housing problem, parliament decided to house rich residents on the upper floors of buildings and poor residents on lower levels. Wealthy residents did not like such conditions and many of them were forced to leave for London. The Scottish government was interested in attracting wealthy people back to Edinburgh, and a competition was organized for architects to build a new area. Architect James Craig won the design competition; it was his idea that was embodied in the creation of the New City, which we can admire today.

In 1822, King George IV visited Edinburgh and was delighted with the neoclassical style of the New City, which he nicknamed the Athens of the North.

During the Victorian era, during the Industrial Revolution, the city was filled with smoke from steam engines. That is why Edinburgh received another nickname - "Old Ricky".

Today, Edinburgh combines modernity and tradition: next to Baroque buildings you can find Art Nouveau buildings. The mood of Edinburgh streets, their individuality in the combination of past and present.

ATTRACTIONS

Architecture:

Edinburgh Castle is perhaps the most famous of all the other castles in Scotland. The castle was built during the Middle Ages. The oldest part of the castle is Margaret's Chapel (12th century). Until recently, the castle was at the disposal of the Ministry of Defense. It is now the city's main tourist attraction.

Holyroodhouse Palace is currently the royal residence. During official visits, the Queen remains in this palace. When not visiting members of the royal family, the palace is open to everyone.

St Giles' Cathedral. Previously, on the site of the cathedral there was a church, which was burned by the British in 1385. The columns in the center of St Giles' Cathedral, supporting the tower, are the only remains of the church, which was burned in the 14th century.

Museums and exhibitions

The Scottish Whiskey Heritage Center is located near Edinburgh Castle. All those who are interested in the process of preparing a traditional Scottish drink should visit this center.

The Museum of Scotland is a relatively new attraction located in the historic Old Town. The museum contains a national gallery - the entire history of Scotland: its land, outstanding personalities and their achievements. Entry to this museum is free.

Museum of Childhood. This museum contains a wonderful collection of costumes, houses, and toys from the time of Queen Victoria. A visit to the Museum of Childhood will be interesting for both children and adults.

The National Scottish Gallery is undoubtedly one of the best galleries in the whole of Great Britain. This gallery contains works by such European artists as Rembrandt, Tintoretto, Claude Lorrain, Titian, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Chardin, Canova and many others.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Artworks by such masters as Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Dellany and others are presented in this gallery.

Edinburgh Zoo, located in a hilly park ten minutes from the city center, opened in 1913. This zoo is famous for having the largest number of penguins on its territory. You can watch them from suspension bridge, which is located directly above their pool, or through its glass walls.

Universities

The University of Edinburgh is Scotland's largest higher education institution, founded in 1583. It ranks 1st among research training centers in Scotland. Moreover, it is one of the leading research institutes in the United Kingdom.

Sport

There are 2 clubs representing the city of Edinburgh in the Scottish Football Premier League: Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian, whose home arenas are Easter Road and Tynecastle, respectively.

Climate

The climate in Edinburgh is relatively mild - temperate maritime. In the capital of Scotland, winters are quite warm; temperatures rarely drop below 0°C. Summer temperatures in Edinburgh generally do not exceed 23°C.

EDINBURGH CITY

Edinburgh city center is the city's most vibrant destination, offering a mix of shopping and cultural attractions. Here you can get a bird's eye view of Edinburgh by climbing the 287 steps to the Walter Scott Monument. To see world-famous works of art, it is worth visiting the National Scottish Gallery, which is also located in the center of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh's city center is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Its elegant streets stand out against the dramatic silhouette of the castle. Princes Street, one of the city's streets, offers visitors to shop in modern shopping centers with a wide selection of designer items. Princes Street Gardens is a delightful spectacle with an ice arena and lots of lights on Christmas Eve. George Street is famous for its luxurious collection of fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, stylish pubs, restaurants and clubs.

GRASSMARKET.

In the Middle Ages, the Grasmarket was a site where public executions took place; today people like to carry out them here. free time students and tourists. Like many streets in Edinburgh, it has preserved medieval architecture and offers wonderful views of Edinburgh Castle.

Although executions stopped here in 1784, some of the Grasmarket's pubs continue to operate since then, and are filled with live music: Last Straw, Maggie Dickson, The White Hart Inn even boasts a poet as a regular patron Robert Burns.

The Grasmarket will surprise lovers of vintage items, antiques and unusual accessories offered for sale in the local mini-shops.

TRANSPORT FROM THE AIRPORT

Airport:

Edinburgh Airport is located 11 km west of the city. The city center can be reached by the following types of transport:

Buses

Trip duration: from half an hour to 45 minutes.

Cars with driver

A large number of companies provide chauffeured cars to ensure a comfortable transfer of passengers from the airport to the hotel.

Car rent

At the airport you can use the services of some car rental companies.

>Railway transport

Every day, 16 trains arrive at Waverley Station (Edinburgh) from King's Cross Station (London).

The duration of the trip is about 4.5 hours.

Trains from Glasgow arrive at Haymarket railway station (Edinburgh), which is 5 minutes from Waverley station.

Public transport

Buses

Lothian Regional Transport buses.

A Freedom Ticket costs approximately £2. It gives the right to an unlimited number of trips on the above-mentioned mode of transport within one day.

The Tourist Card is valid from 2 to 13 days.
Cost: £5 for 2 days; 1.5 pounds for each additional day thereafter.
They can be purchased at 27 Hanover Street, tel.: 0131/555-6363.

Buses from Scottish Citylink Coaches, National Express (bus station on Buchanan Street, Killermont St.).

Buses from these companies connect Edinburgh with London.
Trip duration: about 8 hours
Ticket price: from 80 to 100 pounds one way. It is advisable to reserve tickets.

Buses from Edinburgh arrive at London stations such as: Victoria, Gloucester Road Coach Station (west London).

Bus tours in Edinburgh and its surroundings are offered by the following companies: S.M.T., Eastern Scottish, Lowland Scottish, Midland Scottish.