Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress which, from its position atop Castle Rock, dominates the sky-line of the city of Edinburgh, and is Scotland's most famous (and most visited) landmark. Human habitation of the site is dated back as far as the 9th century BC. As it stands today though, few of the castle's structures pre-date the 16th century.

Edinburgh Castle stands at the heart of the City of Edinburgh. To the North and West of it lies the elegant Georgian New Town. To the South and East the historic Old Town.

Points of Interest

At the top of the Royal Mile, in front of the castle, is a long sloping forecourt known as the Esplanade. It is upon this Esplanade that the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place annually.

David's Tower

David's Tower was commissioned in 1386 by Robert the Bruce's son, David II of Scotland. David's tower was enormous by standards of the time, standing on the site of the present Half Moon Battery at 30 m high, with three stories (Twice as high as the Half Moon Battery).

Half Moon Battery

The Half Moon Battery was duly constructed on the site of the old David's Tower. This magnificent set of defenses, prominent on the East side of the castle today, sits over the old ruins, and several rooms from the ground and first floors of the tower still exist underneath the Battery, windows facing out onto the interior wall of the Battery.

Crown Square

Crown Square is the citadel at the top of the castle. The square is formed by the War Memorial to the North, the Royal Palace block to the East, the Great Hall to the South and the Queen Anne Building to the West.

Hours Apr-Sept daily 9:30am-6pm; Oct-Mar daily 9:30am-5pm  
   
Transportation Bus: 28 or 35  
   
Prices Admission £9.50 ($18) adults, £7 ($13) seniors and students, and £2 ($3.70) children age 15 and under