Why is Edinburgh Castle so special?

Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.



Edinburgh Castle is special because it is built upon Castle Rock, a volcanic plug that has been a strategic military site since the Iron Age. It is the most besieged place in Great Britain, having survived 26 major sieges throughout its history. It served as a primary royal residence for Scottish monarchs for centuries and is home to the Honours of Scotland (the oldest crown jewels in Britain) and the Stone of Destiny, used in royal coronations. Beyond its history, it houses the One O'Clock Gun, a tradition since 1861 that still fires daily. In 2026, it remains the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Edinburgh, serving as a powerful symbol of Scottish independence and resilience. Its architecture is a "living timeline," ranging from the 12th-century St. Margaret's Chapel (Edinburgh's oldest building) to modern military installations.

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Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens ? and even the odd pirate or two.

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Edinburgh Castle is built on an extinct volcano. The Royal Mile is actually one mile and 107 yards long. Edinburgh was the first city in the entire world to have its own fire service. Edinburgh has 112 parks and more trees per head of population than any other city in the U.K.

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Edinburgh Castle, stronghold that was once the residence of Scottish monarchs and now serves mostly as a museum. It stands 443 feet (135 metres) above sea level and overlooks the city of Edinburgh from a volcanic crag called Castle Rock. Castle Rock has been the site of human activity for at least 3,000 years.

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Edinburgh has been named among the '25 Most Beautiful Cities in the World' by a renowned US travel magazine. New York-based Travel + Leisure, which has nearly five million monthly readers, included Scotland's capital in its 'by-no-means exhaustive list' of the world's most beautiful cities.

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Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland's number one paid-for tourist attraction.

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In summary, London impresses with its grandeur, iconic landmarks, and bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere, while Edinburgh captivates with its historic charm, stunning castle, and unique layout. Glasgow, on the other hand, shines with its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and modern architectural developments.

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Edinburgh is an expensive city by UK standards but not when we compare it to the capital London. Average rents for a 1 bedroom apartment stand at around $810pcm. For a large 3 bedroom apartment expect to pay around $1,240 a month. If you decide to live outside of the city center prices are much more reasonable.

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Edinburgh is an expensive city by UK standards but not when we compare it to the capital London. Average rents for a 1 bedroom apartment stand at around $810pcm. For a large 3 bedroom apartment expect to pay around $1,240 a month. If you decide to live outside of the city center prices are much more reasonable.

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