Edinburgh Castle- Edinburgh, Scotland

My recent post about Salzburg got me thinking about fabulous fortresses. While we have many forts in the United States, we are severely lacking in castles. Large, looming castles, that look out over medieval cities. Which we also lack. Alas, some things will always require travel, but are well worth the trip. For something straight out of Harry Potter, head straight to J.K. Rowling’s hometown, and Edinburgh Castle.

Perched high above the Gothic spires of Edinburgh, atop the aptly named volcanic plug Castle Rock, sits Edinburgh Castle. Although the site has been occupied since the Bronze Age, the current configuration is much more recent. Dating to the 12th century, it has everything you would want in a castle; with towers and turrets, and massive stone walls, it is only missing an alligator filled moat. It is exactly what you would visualize if asked to picture a castle. Even in the gray gloom of Edinburgh, where the sun may well never shine, it is picture perfect.

From the train station, it is an easy walk up the Royal Mile to the castle, a street so named for the distance between the castle at the top, and Holyrood Palace, the British monarch’s official Scotland residence, at the bottom. Although the uppermost reaches are a bit tacky tourist, the architecture is still magnificent, including the Gothic 1845 Victoria Hall, now known as The Hub, home of the Edinburgh International Festival.

Located at the top of the Royal Mile, just outside of the castle gate, is the Esplanade. Dating to 1753, the area was historically used as a staging area for the military. Today is serves as a showground for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, as well as a concert venue. The area is also home to several statues, as well some of the best views in the city.

Once you pass through the Portcullis Gate, you will be transported into the past. Built in 1574, and rising right out of the bedrock, this gate could securely close off the castle during attacks, of which their were many over the years. Indeed, the castle has seen 26 sieges over the past 1100 years, making it “one of the most besieged place in Great Britain.”

Inside the castle walls is a multi-tiered, self contained village. Smack in the middle is the Board of Ordnance style Governor’s House, built in 1740 to house the governor of the castle, as well as the Master Gunner and store keeper. This was used as a residence until 1860, when the position was eliminated.

Some of the best city views at the castle can be found at the Forewall Battery in the area of St. Margaret’s Chapel, which incidentally is the oldest building in Edinburgh. There, not only can you peer down at the Dog Cemetery and Argyle Battery, but also out onto the city itself. You are reminded you are a good 260 feet above the urban buzz below.

The history of the castle itself is too vast to even try to summarize. In short, it started life as a royal residence in the 12th century, transitioned solely to a military fortress in the 17th century, then turned into a national heritage site in the 19th century. Most of today’s structures date from the 16-18th centuries, but all have been altered and restored many times over the years, including massive renovations in the Victorian era.

You can easily spend an entire morning wandering the castle grounds, imagining life as it was inside the stronghold. It’s an amazing trip to the past, and the perfect place to start your Edinburgh adventure. Just be warned, it is the most popular tourist destination in town, so visit early or off season for the best experience.

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