Edinburgh Castle - the marvel in the sky

by Premasara Epasinghe from Edinburgh - Scotland

The beautiful, iconic sites of Scotland, offers a glimpse of the past and the lives of the people who shaped the proud historic nation. There are many places of charm and majesty. Some dates go back thousands of years.

They all have a very special place in the Scottish history. Scotland is full of castles, palaces, abbeys, towers, tombs, lochs and bruchs. It is a country of abundance of natural beauty; hundreds of castles stand proud in its long history. Edinburgh Castle is an inspirational, historical and cultural landmark and it is the pinnacle of all castles in the world.

Scotland's Edinburgh castle is insuperable. The majestic panoramic, historic Edinburgh castle, for over 800 years is dominating the capital city Edinburgh skyline.

Monument

It is a marvel and a national monument. The name derived from Dineidyn - the stronghold of Eidlyn from which Edinburgh takes its name.

One million visitors a year come to view Scotland's oldest castle. Inside the Edinburgh castle, we saw the powerful symbols of Scottish nationalism, the Crown jewels and the stone of scone. The city Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland in Lothian Region. It grew steadily when Malcolm III, made Edinburgh Castle his residence.

Castles were fortified houses or fortresses, usually the medieval residences of European kings or nobles.

Marvel

My wife Swarna and I had the fortune of visiting this marvel. On a chilly, cool, windy morning, when the sun faint behind the gauze of clouds we entered Port Cullis Gate, crossed the majestic Esplanade, climbed up the steep castle. From the top, we saw the breathtaking picturesque view of the beautiful city - Edinburgh.

It reminded me so much of the fantastic sights. I saw from the top of the Jable Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, a couple of years back.

In the case of Edinburgh castle, once you enter, you feel that you are completely cut off from the rest of the world. From the top of the compound of the Edinburgh Castle, we witnessed the moss covered city.

The sun sparkled at a distance. It was a fantastic sight. Edinburgh castle tower over the city from its perch high on a wedge of a volcanic rock. It is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities, we have seen in Europe. A stay in Scotland is incomplete without a trip to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.

The historical sites and significant historical places that we saw inside this marvel - Edinburgh Castle - were the states of William Wallace and Robert Bruce, Freedom Fighters, Gate House, Long stairs, Gift House or Old Guard House, Port Cullis Gate (with Arygle Tower) St. Magarets Chapel, Mons Meg, Foog's Gate, Royal Palace, Scottish National War Memorial, Half Moon battery, Great Hall, Queen Anne Building, Dog Cemetry, Vaults, Military Prison, New barracks, Governor's House, Hospital, Cart Shed, the famous One o' Clock gun, Prisoners of War Exhibition, David's Tower Regimental Museum etc. to Witness these important structures and items is a life-time experience.

Sigiriya

The historical site reminds me of our own Sigiriya, Pillenesburg Park and Sun City of South Africa. The landscape and nature at Edinburgh Castle is out of the world. No wonder, millions visit this marvel under the sky in Edinburgh. Even the day we visited there were many tourists. Two of us spent more than five hours in the castle entering at about 9.00 am.

Edinburgh New Town we witnessed from the top of the castle is an elegant 18th century planned development of wide airy streets, sweeping crescent and soft grey Georgian buildings. Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities - a mixture of old heritage and new innovations and massive structures.

Another special attraction at the Edinburgh castle is the exhibition revealing the vault, where American, French, Spanish, Dutch and Irish prisoners were held during the 18th century war of American Independence. French prisoners carved their names. "the Grafte" written can be seen in parts restored to the appearance as it was in 1781. This is called the Prisoners of War.

We came across the St. Margaret's Chapel. This beautiful building is the oldest structure surviving from the medieval castle. They believe, this was built by David I (1124 - 1153) in honour of his sanctified mother. Edinburgh castle's, Northern defence often spectacular views. Except Sunday, One o'clock gun is fired throughout the week. This is known as Argyle Battery.

The other vital and important place is the crown jewels and the stone of destiny. The United Kingdom is oldest crown jewel are found here since 1615 AD.

Mythology

According to mythology, this is the very Rock, that Jacob used as a pillow, when he dreamt the angels ascending the Heaven. Stone of Destine was taken to England by the invaders in 1296. For nearly 700 years, it was kept in Westminster Abbey and it was returned to Scotland in 1996.

James IV - first to rule Scotland and England

The Royal Palace, is a significant place. In a small panelled chamber. In the year 1566 Queen Mary of Scotland gave birth to James IV. The King created a record by being the first king to rule Scotland and England.

Then, there is the Prison Vaults. During the 18th and 19th century, French prisoners were kept in these Vaults. These prisoners wrote graffiti on the walls. Their feelings are written on the walls just like the visitors who visited Sigiriya inscribed their feelings in the Mirror wall - Sigiri graffiti)

The Governor's House, another important land mark at Edinburgh Castle can be seen or viewed from outside, as it is still reserved for the use of exclusive ceremonies only.

A canon built in Belgium in 1449, is another item of interest. It is called Mons MEG. It is supposed to have fired 150 kg stone ball over 2 miles. Since 1914, all Scotland war heroes who sacrificed their lives are listed on the Scottish National War Memorial. Exterior carvings include a phoneix, symbol of the surviving spirit.

Scotland's oldest wooden roof

The Great hall is a magnificent structure found in the Edinburgh castle.

Edinburgh Castle's northern defence offers spectacular views. Except Sunday, One o' clock gun is fired throughout the week, sharp at 1.00 clock. This is known as Argyle battery. The landscape and nature is out of this world. No wonder, millions of people come here to Scotland for the scenery.

Edinburgh New Town is an elegant, 18th century planned development of wide airy streets, sweeping crescents and soft grey Georgian Buildings. It is one of the most beautiful cities, a mixture of old heritage new innovations and massive structures. Scottish people are kindhearted very accommodative and they always help you. It is a lovely country to settle down.