St Giles’ Cathedral
Address: High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE
St Giles’ Cathedral is a prominent Gothic building on the Royal Mile, about half way between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s a working church, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, as well as a concert and events venue and important Edinburgh landmark. The church was founded around 1130, but the present building dates from the late 1300s and was restored in the 1830s.
With a huge central tower and crown steeple, tall stained glass windows, intricate Gothic decoration and almost two hundred memorials, which honour soldiers and distinguished Scots. In 1911, a chapel for the Order of the Thistle was incorporated within the church, in the south east corner. This small, elaborately decorated room has many interesting details to look out for, including carvings of angels with bagpipes and a spectacular gold leaf ceiling. Volunteer guides are on duty each day to welcome visitors, answer questions and conduct guided tours on request.
5 things to do at St Giles’ Cathedral
- Walk around the building. There is a lot to see on the exterior alone, most of which dates from its restoration in the 1830s.
- Explore the magnificent interior with a free guided tour, where you’ll discover the history of this fascinating place.
- Don’t miss the Thistle Chapel, an intricate chapel within the building with Neo-Gothic woodwork and a gold-leaf ceiling.
- Climb the tower for spectacular city views. This is part of the guided rooftop tour and a small charge applies.
- Attend a service, concert or special event. Check what’s on.
