Religious site
St Giles' Cathedral
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St Giles' Cathedral, the principal place of worship in Edinburgh, stands proudly on the Royal Mile. Despite its name, it is a parish church, not a cathedral, but its history as a religious site spans nearly 900 years. Visitors are struck by its distinctive crown spire and the interior's beautiful stained-glass windows, which depict scenes from Scottish history. The Thistle Chapel, with its intricate woodcarving, honors the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest chivalric order. The church remains an active place of worship and a key stop on any Royal Mile walk.
Don't miss
- Admire the stunning stained-glass windows, including the modern West Window depicting the Pentecost.
- Visit the Thistle Chapel, featuring ornate stalls and heraldic carvings of the Knights of the Thistle.
- See the memorial to the Scottish poet Robert Burns and the bronze plaque honoring the Scottish Covenanters.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit St Giles' Cathedral
You can visit St Giles' Cathedral on your own. A guide is worth it for the history and detail that is easy to walk past, and a tour can combine it with nearby sights.
Cheapest way inRoyal Mile, Edinburgh Walking Tour with Audioguide4.5★ · 17 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →
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