Walking Through Britain (19)
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is nestled on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth in the Scottish Lowlands. Founded in 1329, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Scotland from 1437 to 1707. The city center is divided into the Old Town, centered around the iconic Edinburgh Castle, and the New Town, a masterpiece of Georgian architecture. With its stunning natural landscapes and rich historical heritage, Edinburgh is the second most visited city in the UK after London and has been repeatedly voted one of Europe’s most livable cities. 🌟 Must-Visit Edinburgh Spots (Part 1) 🌟 1️⃣ Scott Monument 🏛️ A Gothic masterpiece built to honor Sir Walter Scott, Scotland’s literary giant Known as the father of the historical novel, his works like Ivanhoe and Waverley shaped 19th-century literature 📍 Location: Princes Street Gardens 📅 Built: 1840-1846 | Height: 61.1m (2nd tallest monument in the world, after the Washington Monument!) 2️⃣ Edinburgh Castle 🏰 The symbol of Scotland, perched atop an ancient volcanic rock. 📜 History: Dates back to the 6th century! 👑 National Treasures: Houses Scotland’s Stone of Destiny and Crown Jewels. 🚶 Tourist Magnet: Over 1.2 million visitors yearly! 3️⃣ Calton Hill 🌄 One of Edinburgh’s best viewpoints—panoramic cityscapes! 🏛️ Historic Landmarks: National Monument (Scotland’s "Parthenon") Nelson Monument (honoring Admiral Nelson) 4️⃣ Royal Mile 🛤️ The vibrant heart of Old Town, linking Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. 🏆 Voted "One of the World’s Most Captivating Streets"—lined with royal buildings, ancient churches, and bustling pubs! 5️⃣ St. Giles’ Cathedral ⛪ A 14th-century Gothic gem on the Royal Mile. 🔥 History: Rebuilt after a fire in 1385, retaining its medieval charm. 👑 Crown Steeple: Its iconic spire dominates Edinburgh’s skyline! #UK #Scotland #Edinburgh #Travel #EdinburghCastle #ScottMonument #RoyalMile #Views