Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress dominating Edinburgh’s landscape standing at the top of the volcanic Castle Rock. This royal castle exists at least from the reign of David I in 12^th century and frequently served as a royal residence until the Union of the Crowns in 1603.

The Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historic conflicts because of its significance as one of the most strategic fortresses in the Kingdom of Scotland. The castle is consistently present in the history of the country since the Wars of Scottish Independence in 14^th century until The Jacobite rising of 1745.

The Edinburgh Castle was under siege several times both successfully and unsuccessfully. The castle became a military base with a large garrison in late 17^th century. The Edinburgh Castle turned into a historic fortress in 19^th century and few restoration programs were held since then. Many of the castle buildings were heavily destroyed after a mass artillery bombing. Fortunately St Margaret's Chapel survived and it is currently the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh.

The Chapel is dated from the early 12^th century. Other important buildings of the castle are the Royal Palace and the Great Hall from 16^th century. Edinburgh Castle is the home of the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum of Scotland.

The Edinburgh Castle is the second most visited place in Scotland.