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The castle is Edinburgh's best known and most popular visitor attraction. If you're planning a visit to this historic city, it's a good idea to visit the castle first. For the Scots, the castle is a compelling symbol and very public reminder of their roots. Some say Edinburgh, with the massive castle on the rock, looks less like a city than a theatrical backdrop.
The panorama from the battlements will give you a good overview of the city and the surrounding terrain. It will be immediately apparent to history buffs, for example, why Edinburgh Castle was of strategic importance during Scotland's wars of independence.
There's been a fortress on this commanding site since at least AD 600. But long before the rock, rising precipitously out of the surrounding forest, obviously must have ben a tribal refuge and settlement. Castle Rock, as it's sometimes called, is undeniably where the city of Edinburgh began. Early Edinburgh was a small village on the eastern side of the fortification, huddled close to the wall for protection.
Through the centuries the castle was besieged many times, badly knocked about, held by the English as well as the Scots, and nearly demolished more than once. Yet it always rose again.
The castle is both a historic monument and a working military establishment, being the headquarters of the Scottish Division. Uniformed guards still man the main gate.
One of the most evocative buildings within the castle is the smallest and oldest-Saint Margaret's Chapel, built in the Norman fashion almost one thousand years ago in honor of the wife of King Malcolm III. Because of its religious significance, the tiny chapel survived every military demolition. After 900 years it is still in use, and members of the castle garrison regularly exercise their right to be married within the chapel. Be sure to look at the stained glass window, honoring St. Andrew. It's one of the oldest stained glass windows in Scotland.
Not far away, beneath the Great Hall, stands the most famous cannon in Scotland. Mons Meg, a massive fifteenth century bombard which was reputed to be able to fire a stone cannonball a distance of over one mile.
A unique tradition within the castle is the one o'clock gun. The gun is fired at that hour every day, except Sunday, to enable citizens and visitors to check their watches and clocks.
The castle was the seat of Scottish King and the royal apartments on view to the public include a tiny room in which Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth to the boy who became King James VI of Scotland and James I of England upon the Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1603.
On display in the Great Hall is an interesting collection of weapons and armor. Across the square is the Scottish National War Memorial, a building designed and constructed shortly after the First World War. Few who walk around its interior fail to be moved by the experience.
Near the summit of the castle is a small well-tended plot, below the ramparts, which has served for many years as a cemetery for the pets of members of the garrison. Animal-lovers will appreciate the tiny headstones.
For three weeks in August each year, the Castle esplanade is the venue of the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Scottish regiments host a lively program of music, marching and historic re-enactments. The stirring sounds of pipes and drums continue to be a real crowd pleaser. Dramatic floodlights fill the area and 200,000 people view the show annually. Spectators come from around the globe to witness this presentation.
Before leaving the esplanade, look for the artistically decorated drinking fountain in the wall at the north-east corner. It's a grim reminder of the days, when on this spot, women were executed by burning after having been convicted of witchcraft.
Several places around the castle are reputed to be haunted. Listen for a mysterious lone bagpiper who is said to roam the area.
For your visit, allow at least two or three hours at the castle and wear comfortable shoes.
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