St Giles' Cathedral: 900 years of history on Edinburgh's Royal Mile
- Chris
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Edinburgh's skyline has one unmistakable silhouette—a crown-shaped spire rising above the Royal Mile. That crown belongs to St Giles' Cathedral, a building that has witnessed 900 years of Scottish history unfold at its doorstep.
We've just added St Giles' Cathedral to DuckAbroad, and if you're heading to Edinburgh, this is one stop you won't want to miss.
A building older than the city around it
King David I founded St Giles' in 1124, before most of Edinburgh's Old Town even existed. The cathedral predates the Royal Mile itself—in fact, the famous street grew up around it when the king gave permission to build houses stretching from Holyrood Abbey toward the church.
That makes St Giles' not just a landmark, but the anchor point for Edinburgh as we know it.
The building you see today largely dates from the 14th century, rebuilt after English forces burned it twice during medieval conflicts. Its Gothic architecture survived the Scottish Reformation, when fiery preacher John Knox made St Giles' his parish church and transformed Scotland's religious landscape forever.
More recently, Queen Elizabeth II lay in state here in 2022—a reminder that this 900-year-old church still stands at the heart of Scottish national life.
What to see inside
The Thistle Chapel is the cathedral's crown jewel. This small, ornate chapel serves as the home of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest order of chivalry. The intricate woodwork and heraldic details reward close inspection.
The stained glass windows draw visitors' eyes upward throughout the building. Light filters through centuries of craftsmanship, creating an atmosphere that photographs struggle to capture.
The crown spire that defines Edinburgh's skyline is best appreciated from Parliament Square outside, where you can take in the full Gothic silhouette.
Visiting St Giles' Cathedral
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 10am–6pm
Saturday: 9am–5pm
Sunday: 1pm–5pm
Cost: Entry is free, with a suggested donation of £6.
Guided tours: Free 45-minute walking tours run daily at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Book online in advance—they fill up fast. Your guide will take you through the Reformation history, into the Thistle Chapel, and share stories spanning rebellions, royals, and even a unicorn.
Pro tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon on a weekday. The cathedral gets crowded during peak tourist hours, and a quieter visit lets you appreciate the atmosphere properly.
Whether you're drawn by history, architecture, or simply want to stand where Scottish history was made, St Giles' Cathedral delivers. Find it now on DuckAbroad and start planning your visit.
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