Scotland's most famous fortress has dominated Edinburgh since the 13th century and is undoubtedly the country's most popular attraction. Perched high on a mountain of black basalt, the spectacular Edinburgh Castle offers magnificent views of many of the city's landmarks, including the Royal Mile, Princess Street and the exquisite Holyrood Palace.
The castle is entered via a drawbridge over an old moat with a wide esplanade, where the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every August. Along the way, you will pass bronze statues of the legendary heroes Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
What to see at Edinburgh Castle?
Scottish War National Memorial
It is located near the Half Moon Battery - on the curved wall of the castle - and every weekday, at exactly one o'clock, a shot is fired from it. It is a tradition that dates back to the days when Britain was at war with Napoleon in 1810.
Royal Palace
For centuries, the Royal Palace was a repository for government documents and crown jewels, but in 1291 King Edward sent all documents and jewels to London; and 400 years later, just before Oliver Cromwell took over the castle, the regalia were taken to Dunnottar Castle for safekeeping. The regalia were returned to Edinburgh Castle in 1707, but were locked and not allowed to display, so as not to irritate the Scottish public.
National War Museum of Scotland
On the west side of King's Square is the War Museum, founded in 1933, which displays uniforms, weapons and other memorabilia of Scottish military regiments, as well as a number of paintings, including by Robert Gibbs. Edinburgh Castle has two unique regimental museums. The Royal Scottish Dragoon Guards Museum depicts the history of the regiment since its founding in the 17th century by King Charles II to fight religious schismatics, and the standard of the 45th French Infantry Division captured at Waterloo in 1815. 149 military awards are exhibited as exhibits.
Scotland's largest artillery piece
This is the Mons Meg - the cannon that draws the most attention to Edinburgh Castle. Produced in Mons, Flanders, in 1449, it was presented to James II the Duke of Burgundy and was recognized as one of the most advanced military technology of the time (110 pounds of gunpowder can send a 550 pound cannonball 2 miles). Mons Meg has seen many battles, including the siege of Roxburgh Castle in 1460.
