EXPLORING

EDINBURGH
Edinburgh Started As A Fort Built In 6th Century By The Northmbrian King Edwin, From The
City Takes Its Name. By The Early 12th Century The Fort Had Become A Castle And
Edinburgh Was A Thriving Community. Scotland’s History Is Characterised By Conflict With
England, And The Tensions Between The English And The Scottish Monarchies Were Nearly
Always Centred In Edinburgh. This Had An Influence On The City’s Development. In 1450 A
City Wall Was Constructed Which, While Creating An Outer Defensive Wall For The Castle,
Also Created A Virtual Ghetto For The Citizens. Pace Into Very Tight Areas, Buildings Started
To Rise More Than Ten Storeys High. These “Tenements” Are Stilla N Identifying Feature Of
The Old Town.
HISTORY

• In the 18th century Edinburgh became a flourishing town and also a centre of
innovation and learning. This was also when the wastelands to the north of the
Old Town were developed and became the New Town, were the wealthier
population moved. This area contains some of Britain’s best examples of
Georgian architecture. With its Medieval and Georgian districts, Edinburgh is
considered one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. The city is famous for its
università and for the arts – it was known as the “Athens of the North”, and was
one of the major centres of the Englightenment. Today it i salso known for the
world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival, which has been held since
1947 and brings together the best of International contemporary theathre,
music, dance and opera.
WHAT TO SEE
• The historic centre of Edinburgh is divided into two by the broad green park of Princes
Street Gardens. To the south is the medieval Old Town, which includes Edinburgh Castle.
The castle was a royal residence untill the union of the crowns, when King James VI of
Scotland became King James I and transferred the royal residence to England. The oldest
building in the castle is St. Margaret’s Chapel, dating back to the 12th century. From the
castle stretches the Royal Mile, made up of four medieval streets linking the castle to the
Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the opposite end of the city. Highlights along the way are
Gladstone’s Land, a 17th century merchant house, and Lady Stair’s House, also built in the
17th century and now a museum of the lives and works of Scotland’s National poet Robert
Burns, and of the Scottish writers Sir Walter Scott and R.L Stevenson. Another Landmark is
Gothic St. Giles Cathedral, or High Church of Edinburgh, from where John Knox directed
the Scottish Reformation. His house, which dates back to 1490, is the oldest house in the
city. At the end of the Royal Mile is Holyroodhouse, now the official residence of the
Queen, built for James V of Scotland in 1529 and famous for being the home of Mary
Quenn of Scots.
• To the north of Princes Street is the New Town with is elegant Georgian houses. At its
centre is beautiful Charlotte Square, with architect Robert Adam’s masterpiece to the
north of the square, a building that represents Georgian architecture at its best.
WHAT TO DO
Entertainment
• Edinburgh is a modern city with plenty of theatres, concert halls, art
galleries, cinemas and pubs. Its major cultural attractions are the Edinburgh
Festival, the world’s largest art festival, which takes place in August, and the
Edinburgh International Film Festival which takes place in June. If you are
there at the end of December, don’t miss Hogmanay, when large crowds
flock to the streets to celebrate the New Year. Celebrations include
fireworks, bag pipe music, street drumming and singing of world famous
Auld Lang Syne.

Shopping
• Princes Street is one of Edinburgh’s busiest streets, with plenty of
traditional and high street brand shops. Smoked salmon, whisky and tartans
are the typical Scottish products most tourists look for, but Edinburgh i salso
a great place for bookshops, design and antiques.
WHAT TO EAT

• Besides being famous for its smoked salmon and kippers, Scotland i salso
famous for breeding some of the best quality beef and lamb. Oats and
barley play an important role in Scottish food and drink. One of the best
way sto start the day is a bowl of porridge, and barley is central to the
creation of both whisky and ales. All of these products can be easily found
in Edinburgh.