Tag: Edinburgh

Edinburgh

To get to know the state in absentia, it is important to find out something about its main city! Meet those who want to join the Scottish spirit – Edinburgh, the permanent capital of Scotland since 1537 and, concurrently, its second metropolis (the largest being Glasgow which has an area of 175sq km).

Edinburgh is located in the lowlands of Scotland on three coastal hills called the Pentland Hills, midway between Leith River and Arthur’s Seat. If we consider the location from the perspective of the Firth of Forth, then geographically this settlement is on its southern shore.

It is a very old city and has been known since the 6th century. It was a castle-fortress at that time and belonged to the British royal family called Aideen. Actually, the name of the city came from the first owners of the land and it received the complete sound of its name “Eidynburh” during the 7th century when the castle was captured by the Angles. The invaders added the ending “burh” to the family name “Eidyn”, meaning “fortress”.

Let’s move straight to the centre of Edinburgh! There are two historical parts waiting for us – the ancient southern and the new (relatively, since it began to be built up in 1768).

There is a giant river park in the middle. Previously a lake called Lough Nor splashed in its place. If you come to Castle Rock in the park you get a good view of Edinburgh Castle (the fortress which is the main attraction in Edinburgh) and from there the sea and the city itself. There is also the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see on the eastern outskirts which is a palace that British monarchs visit.

Both cities (old and new) have been on the list of World Heritage Sites since 1995. More than 13,000,000 tourists flock to the city every August for the world’s largest festival called the Edinburgh Festival. This is predominantly a music event and consists of concerts, opera and theatre performances, but also cultural seminars, art exhibitions and creative master classes.

But at other times there is something to be surprised by! For example, more than 10 thematic museums exist such as the national museum, a writers’ museum, a museum about childhood, whisky heritage, etc., galleries dealing with portrait, contemporary art, etc., and of course mediaeval architecture – it is here literally at every step.