Old Churches (Edinburgh, Scotland)

For those who are fascinated by architectural heritage and sculpturing, Old Town Edinburgh and parts of New Town has a lot to marvel at. Including at least one historical church on your list of places to visits is highly recommended. Make sure to look up at the ceilings! Here are some recommendations.

St. Giles Cathedral

Named for the patron saint of the city, St. Giles Cathedral dates back to the 12 century. It is not hard to miss this church as it located on the famous Royal Mile about midway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This also a very touristy location. To enjoy the architectural beauty of this building and not have to dodge other tourists, I recommend going at 9 am on Saturday or at 10 am from Monday to Friday when it's open to visitors. On Sunday, it is open at 1 pm which some might say is the peak time for most tourists to be out and about.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

One of the things that make this church memorable is the ceiling. Make sure you look up because this is the hundreds of years on view you will see.

Photo credit: Edna Explores

Also, a photo by the doorway is recommended. If you are alone, as I was on this trip, simply lean your bag against the stairs railing in front of you, place your camera against it on timer mode, sit on the ground (make sure to have hand sanitiser with you), and look at another very old building to your left. And voila!

Photo credit: Edna Explores

St. Columba's by the Castle Church

Located a stone's throw away from Edinburgh Castle and baring it's location within its name, St. Columba's by the Castle Church, with its bright red door, commands attention. Constructed in the 1840s, this Early English Gothic style structure is all show on the outside and elegantly simple on the inside with beautiful dark oak-panelled ceiling. This church is located in a busy area both with cars and the fact that it's on the way to the tourist-loved Edinburgh Caste. That won't be an issue though if you start the day before 10 am.

Photo credit: The lovely stranger who said "can I help you with taking a photo?"

If by any chance you happen to visit St. John Episcopal Church on Prince Street, highly recommended, please take a picture and share it with me so I can include it in this blog with you fully credited. This church, although not as old looking as the others, is beautiful inside. Unfortunately, it was closed while I was there and I was not able to visit the third church I had on my list to visit.