Читать книгу Edinburgh – Sights and Secrets - Andrea Weil - Страница 5
Оглавлениеedinburgh castle – symbol of the city
text and photo michaela schneider
Steeped in history, Edinburgh Castle dominates the Old Town skyline, brooding atop its great volcanic rock. It is the very symbol of the capital and the turbulent history of Scotland itself: kings were born here, prisoners imprisoned, guests assassinated and treasures hidden. Visitors passing through its granite gates can stand alongside the heavy guns here to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Entering the castle, visitors are greeted by the twin statues of freedom fighters William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce.
The first castle was built here in the Middle Ages, but apart from St. Margaret’s Chapel and one section of David’s Tower, little remains from this era. Close by lies the heart of the castle, Crown Square with the Royal Palace, the Great Hall and the Scottish National War Memorial. Not to be missed is the museum, where visitors will find the Honours of Scotland. The beautiful crown, sceptre and sword are the oldest crown jewels on the British Islands, and the legendary Stone of Destiny has been part of the coronation ceremonies of the Kings of Scotland, England and the United Kingdom for more than a thousand years. But the modern and descriptive exhibition of the history of the Scottish Kings also make a visit to the museum more than worthwhile: where else can you meet the historic monarchs of Scotland, like Robert the Bruce and Mary Stuart?
While you’re here, also look into the royal apartments – today used for official receptions. For those interested in military history, there are no less than three military museums on the castle grounds, and the National War Memorial, bearing the names of every fallen Scottish soldier from World War I, is a place for silence and reflection.
Another of the castle’s attraction is the firing of the gun – every day (except Sunday) at one o’clock. In the 19th century, the people of Edinburgh set their clocks by the shot, and sailors on the Forth would calibrate their chronometers by it. But why at one o’clock and not at noon? Conventional wisdom has it that it’s down to the Scots’ legendary frugality: why fire twelve cannonballs, when one will do?
The best approach is to discover the castle on a guided tour or with an audio guide. Budget at least three hours.
Tip: If you love animals, take a walk to the dog cemetery - for over 150 years, the final resting place of the regiment’s mascots and officers’ dogs.
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG.
1 Apr - 30 Sep 9.30am - 6pm, 1 Oct - 31 Mar 9.30am - 5pm.
£16, audio guide £3.
