St. Giles' Cathedral Tours and Activities

The site on which St Giles' Cathedral sits has been a place of worship for almost 900 years, ever since Catholic rituals began here in 1120. The Reformation saw the Scottish Church renounce Roman rule and the Pope, and undertake a new direction in Protestantism in 1560. The soaring heights of the spire are an addition from over 600 years ago, while the building was designated a cathedral in the 17th century.St Giles is the patron saint of Edinburgh, as well as being the saint to whom beggars and the disabled pray. The cathedral is the home of the Official Church of Scotland and the Mother Church of Presbyterianism.Spend some time checking out the fantastically detailed wooden appointments in the interior of St Giles', and note the wonderful stonework, including some local touches, such as an angel playing bagpipes! The intricately designed Thistle Chapel is the religious home of The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, a chivalrous order which originated in the Middle Ages.The storied history of the cathedral and its place in the city's civic life are reflected in the many monuments and memorials housed in St Giles' the famous novelist Robert Louis Stevenson is remembered here, as is the austere religious reformer John Knox.Regular musical performances now form part of the repertoire here. There are lunchtime concerts, choral recitals and organ performances, many of which are free of charge – check the website for times.Ask the friendly volunteer guides if you have any questions, or enquire about a free guided tour. If you'd like to capture the interiors on your camera, a permit is required. These are available for a small charge from the Thistle Chapel and the main West Entrance.St Giles' Cathedral is on the Royal Mile, in the middle of Edinburgh's Old Town. It is open all year round, except after the mid-morning services on Christmas Day, the 26th, and January 1st and 2nd. Check the website for opening times, as they can change between the seasons.