Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile

The stone towers and walls of Edinburgh Castle have dominated the Edinburgh skyline since the 13th century. Perched atop black basalt rock, it offers magnificent views of the city and a trip through Scotland's tumultuous history. Highlights are the spectacular Crown Jewels; the famous Stone of Destiny (the Stone of Scone); and St. Margaret's Chapel, built in 1130 and the oldest building in Edinburgh. Enter the castle over a drawbridge across an old moat from the broad Esplanade, where the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held every August. Bronze statues of legendary heroes William Wallace and Robert the Bruce seem to keep watch over the castle gates. Below, the Royal Mile stretches down the steep escarpment to the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, another of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks. Lined by brick townhouses and historic landmarks, the Royal Mile is also filled with small shops, kilt makers, tearooms, museums, and cafés. Between its tall buildings-some reaching to more than 10 stories on the downhill side-are narrow little alleys, called "winds," that weave between tiny hidden closes.