This storied fortification has been at the heart of Scottish history for almost a thousand years, and remains the home of the glittering crown jewels.
During the course of its long life, Edinburgh Castle has suffered sieges, been a military bastion in times of peace and in times of war, and served as a safe haven for kings.The Entrance Gateway leads you into the castle, the oldest building in Edinburgh. The first things to catch the eye are the statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, two Scottish patriots who lived in the 14th century and fought for Scotland's independence. Their stories have been immortalised in the massive Hollywood blockbuster, “Braveheart”.Visit the One O'clock Gun on the Argyle Battery, which has been shot at 1 p.m. every day (except Sundays) since 1861. The tradition started as a timekeeping aid for the shipmasters in nearby Leith Harbour, and has continued to this day, becoming part of the culture of the city.Scottish royal history is a large part of any tour of Edinburgh Castle. Stroll around the splendid Great Hall where Charles I feasted, and see the bedroom which was the birthplace of James VI of Scotland, uniter of the thrones of Scotland and England in 1603. The Royal Palace plays host to the sparkling Scottish crown jewels – a real highlight of the tour. The “Stone of Destiny” also sits here, a piece of sandstone which has become a traditional part of the coronation of monarchs down through the years.Before you leave, pause for a moment to remember the country's many war dead at the Scottish National War Memorial, commemorating casualties from the First and Second World Wars, among other conflicts.Edinburgh Castle is easily reachable on foot from the eastern end of Princes Street. Be aware that some of the cobbled streets in the castle are at quite a sharp gradient, and may present difficulties for people with impaired mobility. Parts of the castle are wheelchair accessible, and there are a limited number of wheelchairs which can be borrowed on site. No parking is available, except for a small amount of disabled parking, which should be booked before your visit if required.Edinburgh Castle is open daily, but opening hours vary throughout the year – check online when planning your visit for more details. A guided tour is included in the entrance price, but you can also choose to follow the route outlined on the castle website at your own pace.
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