Every person who has visited Scotland at least once leaves a piece of himself in this amazing country, striving to return there again. Rich historical heritage, unique culture, interesting traditions and, of course, many castles that have survived to our times in their original form - these are not all the features of the region that regularly attract hundreds of tourists. One of the most famous landmarks of the country, which thousands of people from all over the world come to see, is Edinburgh Castle (Scotland), a mysterious place with which many myths and legends are associated.
Scotland - a journey into a fairy tale
This small country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In addition to beauty, some areas of Scotland are among the cleanest and most untrampled regions by tourists. For example, when you get to the northwestern part of the country, you can say with confidence that you are in the past - to the origins of civilization. The highlanders living here lead the same way of life as their fathers and grandfathers did, nottrying to move to the big cities. In this region there are not only large industrial cities, but even large settlements. That is why the air in this place is especially clean.
Scotland is made up of over 800 islands, 500 of which are uninhabited. The nature of the region is very diverse due to its unique location: in the south of the country there is a border with England, in the west - the Atlantic Ocean, in the east - the North Sea. Here you can find mountains and narrow gren valleys, unexplored caves, ancient volcanoes, mountain lakes, as well as unique fjord bays and relict forests. Every meter here is associated with some historical event, which is why the Scots are so proud of their rich heritage.
Scotland has many natural attractions that attract tourists from all over the world. But, of course, the country is most famous for its castles, of which there are more than 3,000. The most famous is the oldest fortress in the center of the capital - Edinburgh Castle, Scotland - one of the main attractions of the city. This facility is open to tourists.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. Brief information
It is believed that if you went to Scotland and did not visit this ancient castle, your trip was incomplete. This impregnable fortress, proudly rising on top of a huge volcano extinct millions of years ago, is associated with all the historically significant events of the country. Edinburgh Castle is the heart of Scotland, the key to the country - such definitions emphasize the special significance of this place. After allit was believed that who owns the castle, owns the whole country.
This fortress is larger than a small medieval town. On its territory there is a royal palace, a chapel, barracks, armories, a prison and many other premises.
The Northubrian king Edwin, who lived in the 7th century, is considered the founder of the castle. In his honor, the castle was named Edwinburg, which was later renamed Edinburgh. The story goes that in the fight for Scottish independence, Edinburgh Castle changed its owners four times, but it never managed to be taken by attack, victory was achieved only by cunning.
Unusual facts about the fortress
Edinburgh Castle (Scotland), interesting facts about which are read by dozens, is famous for many mysterious stories. So, in 1830, the bones of a child, a piece of fabric and wood were found in the walls of the fortress. The monogram “J” was embroidered on the fabric. Rumors began that the child of Queen Mary of Scots was born dead and that his bones were immured in the wall.
Also interesting is the history of the royal regalia, which are stored in one of the rooms of the castle. The crown, sword, scepter and harness were made from local material - the gold of the Scottish mountain streams and the pearls of the country's rivers. Having placed them in a large oak chest, they forgot about them for some time, and then they began to consider them lost. Only after more than 100 years, a special government commission led by the famous writer W alter Scott managed to find the royal regalia, which are considered a national treasure. However, amongof the found things there was no belt, which after a while mysteriously fell out of the wall, which was being demolished in the house located next to the castle.
There is a gloomy dungeon under the floor of the maternity ward, and to this day no one knows for certain who was held there and for what crimes.
Checking to visit this amazing castle, you will touch the mysterious history of Scotland.
Royal Mile
The road that leads from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle is called the Royal Mile. It is this length, corresponding to the Scottish mile, that connects several streets of the capital: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate. Each of them has its own history and purpose. The streets gradually descend, and from them other streets and dead ends stretch in both directions, which also belong to the Royal Mile. If you are going to visit Edinburgh Castle, you should definitely go to it along this road, which is a separate attraction of the city.
Castle Attractions
Edinburgh Castle (Scotland) is a real museum, which will take more than one hour to explore. One of the main attractions of the fortress is the Clock Cannon, which has been standing since 1861. Every day, with the exception of Christmas and Good Friday, the sentry makes one volley from it strictly at 13:00. The accuracy of time used to be controlled by a special system - the "Ball of Time" - which is considered another attraction of the castle. This is an accurate clock 1238 meters from the fortress.
A cable is laid between them - the longest electrical connection in the world at the beginning of the 20th century. In our time, the artilleryman already checks with a small clock that is installed next to the cannon.
Another attraction is the chapel of St. Margaret, which is a functioning Catholic church and belongs to the oldest buildings of the castle.
Mystery stories
Besides the rich cultural heritage, another feature that Edinburgh Castle (Scotland) is famous for is the mystical stories associated with the events in the fortress. It is believed that many ghosts roam the expanses of the castle - the souls of long-dead people.
For example, they say that the ghost of a piper roams the dungeon - he was sent there in order to find a way. The man never returned, what caused his death is unknown.
Another ghost of the castle is a headless drummer. He was beheaded within these walls centuries ago, and has been wandering around ever since.
Strange sounds are also sometimes heard and translucent shadows are seen in the dungeons of the castle, which contained prisoners of war and criminals. Some of them were executed, others were starved to death. No scientific explanation has yet been found for these sounds and visions.
The ghost story doesn't end inside the walls of Edinburgh Castle (Scotland). Ghosts also live on the slopes of the volcano on which it is located. For example, sentries say that they sometimes see a person in these places. It is believed that he tried to escape from the fortress, but could not. He was pushed into a cliff where he died.
It is thanks to so many mystical stories and visions that this castle is considered the most haunted.
Stone of Destiny
The mysterious stories that Edinburgh Castle (Scotland) is famous for are not limited to ghosts. The Stone of Destiny is kept here, which is considered a truly magical artifact. According to one legend, its age exceeds 3000 years, it was owned by the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt, Ramses II, who brought it to Scotland.
According to another legend, Jacob slept on it the night he dreamed of angels descending to earth. In which of the legends to believe, everyone decides for himself, but the fact that the Stone of Destiny is important for the royal family is undeniable. After all, it was on it that all monarchs were crowned, including the current reigning Elizabeth II.
In closing
Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is indeed one of the most mysterious and interesting places in the world. Almost every room of this museum hosts exhibitions that introduce the rich history of the fortress. Even the architecture of the building itself is worth seeing.
Besides, if you decide to go to Edinburgh Castle (Scotland), the photo you take on its territory may surprise you later. What if one of the ghosts living in it gets into your frame?
