Overview:

The St. Giles' Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is the principal place of worship in Edinburgh, Scotland and a significant part of its skyline. It has been one of the city’s most important religious sites since the eleventh century. The current St. Giles' Cathedral was built in the fourteenth century, although previous buildings have stood on the same site since 854. The Cathedral is open to visitors and provides a beautiful setting for religious services, concerts and lectures, as well as being a popular tourist attraction. Its imposing spire and striking Gothic arches make it one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in United-Kingdom
Prominent Features:

: 1. St. Giles' Cathedral is a famous Gothic Cathedral located in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. 2. It is the Mother Church of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland and is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. 3. The Cathedral has a long and distinguished history, with the first stone structure being built on the site in 1124AD. 4. The present building was completed in 1495, and since then the Cathedral has been an important part of the history of Scotland. 5. St. Giles' is home to a number of unique features, including the Iron Lancet Windows, which date back to 1633, and the Thistle Chapel, which is the National Chapel of Scotland. 6. The stunning architecture of the Cathedral makes it a popular destination for photographers, and the panoramic views of Edinburgh from the Tower Gallery make it well worth the climb. 7. Every year, the world-famous Edinburgh Festival takes place outside St. Giles'. 8. This is a celebration of music, theatre and the arts, where thousands of performers and visitors from around the world congregate to take part in the festivities. 9. The Cathedral is open to visitors every day of the week, and there are a variety of services and events taking place in the building. 10. The St. Giles' Cathedral is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Edinburgh, and one of the top must-see places in Scotland. This national monument of United-Kingdom portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The history of St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland can be traced back to the early 12th century when a small church was constructed in the area. This church was dedicated to Saint Giles, the 7th century patron saint of the poor, lepers, cripples and mother’s-to-be. Over time, the church was expanded and magnified and it became a cathedral, hence its current name St. Giles’ Cathedral. The distinguishing feature of St. Giles’ Cathedral is its spire. This is believed to have been added to the church in the 15th century making it the first spired building in the city. This majestic, 243 ft tall, Gothic spire remains a dominant feature of the skyline of Edinburgh to this day. The history of St. Giles’ Cathedral is closely intertwined with the history of the Church of Scotland and the reforming movement of the 16th century. The Reformers of Scotland used St. Giles’ as their place of worship and one of the promoters of the movement, John Knox, became minister of the church in 1560. The surrounding area of the cathedral has changed greatly over the years with the development of Edinburgh as a world renowned tourist destination. The area is now a vibrant mix of modern shops, theatres and cafes, along with traditional pubs and galleries. The cathedral is open to the public and worth a visit to admire its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. There are many events taking place in the church throughout the year including music concerts, exhibitions and talks. You must visit one of these historical places in United-Kingdom on your United-Kingdom tour

Interesting facts:

1. The St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland is one of the four major churches in the city and is a popular tourist attraction. 2. It is the High Kirk of Edinburgh and the cathedral of the Diocese of Edinburgh within the Scottish Episcopal Church. 3. The cathedral is often referred to as the ‘Mother Church of Presbyterianism’ as it is the site of the National Covenant of 1638 which launched the Presbyterian movement in Scotland. 4. The first church on the site was established in the 12th century, but the current building dates from the 15th century and is the work of the renowned Gothic architect, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. 5. The cathedral features a vast collection of stained-glass windows. Notably, the Great East Window, installed in either the 16th or 17th century, depicts the Seven Sacraments of the Christian faith. 6. During the Reformation, the church declared itself to be Protestant and the interior was stripped of its Catholic decoration. 7. The chapel of St John the Evangelist is believed to be the oldest existing structure in Edinburgh. 8. A particularly notable feature of the cathedral is the exquisitely carved Thistle Chapel, built in 1911 with stone imported from France. 9. The chapel boasts intricate carvings, including seven magnificent thistle carvings representing Scotland’s seven ancient clans. 10. It also has the oldest mechanical clock in Scotland, dating back to 1540. Visit one of the famous monuments of United-Kingdom with your friends and family.