Edinburgh Castle

Today we visited the Edinburugh castle in Edinburgh, Scotland.

This castle was built for King David the 1st in the 12th century.
It overlooks the whole city of Edinburgh and out onto the North Sea. It's tall, solid walls are lined with black cannons that were used for battles hundreds of years ago. It's cobblestone walkway, built in the 17th century, twists and turns around the old, beautiful buildings all the way up to the famous Scotish war memorial.



The Scottish war memorial was built on the 14th of July, 1927 by the Prince of Wales, and the Future King Edward VIII of England. He made this shrine to specifically honor all of the men and women who died in the 1914-1918 great war. The inside of this shrine is lined with books that hold the names of the thousands of people that served for Scotland. It also holds a small chapel with carvings along the side walls. These carvings were of Soldiers and Doctors and dogs going out to war. The carving says inspirational words about the soldiers. It is quite a memorable place.

Next to the memorial is St. Margaret's chapel.




St. Margaret's chapel happens to be the oldest building in the Edinburgh castle and the oldest building in all of Edinburgh.
It was built in the year 1130 and was originally believed to be built by King David I after his mother died of a "broken heart" when her husband (his father) died fighting The English in Alnwick. This chapel is quite small and plain but unbelievably beautiful at the same time. In the front of the church there is a small altar with the cross and beautiful gold and purple fabrics. Behind the altar there is a stained glass window of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.
**A quick fact about Saint Andrew is that he was crucified on an "X" instead of a cross. He wasn't crucified on a cross because he didn't feel that he was as important as Christ. **
This small chapel is still used today for weddings and baptisms.





Below the chapel there is a dog cemetery. A dog cemetery, in a castle? Yes it is unusual. It was built in 1814 for the army officers' loyal pets.
The weird thing about this cemetery is that it is built directly on top of the medieval constable's tower.

Overall this castle is absolutely stunning and very fun to visit as well.

You most definitely have to visit this castle when you go to Scotland.

-Marin-

Location:Edinburgh, Scotland