Historvius (mapping history)

Historic sites in Edinburgh

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If you’re looking to discover historic sites in Edinburgh then you can explore our interactive map above or navigate further by using the links below.

The city of Edinburgh has a rich and diverse history that has left it packed full of interesting historic places. Once home to Celtic tribes and later forming part of the Kingdom of Northumbria, Edinburgh soon flourished into an important political centre and became one of the most important cities of medieval Scotland and the seat of the Scottish crown.

Often caught up in the Scottish Wars of Independence, Edinburgh changed hands a number of times and a number of military emplacements, defences and castles grew up over time – the most famous of which is Edinburgh Castle.

Famed as a cultural centre, the city was referred to as the ‘Athens of the North’ and its cultural and academic legacy remains today. A hub for visitors and one of the most popular Scottish tourist destinations, Edinburgh boasts a host of interesting historic sites to visit.

Once you’ve explored the historical sites of Edinburgh you can use our itinerary planner tool to plan out your trip and then print off a free pocket guidebook.

Our database of Edingburgh's historic sites is growing all the time, but we may not cover them all. Remember, if you know of other historic sites in Edinburgh, you can always add them to Historvius now by visiting our upload page.

Historical sites in Edinburgh : Site Index

  • Craigmillar Castle Craigmillar Castle
    Craigmillar Castle played host to Mary Queen of Scots.
    Photo by conskeptical (cc)

  • Crichton Castle Crichton Castle
    Crichton Castle is a distinctive fourteenth century castle.
    Photo by Hotfield (cc)

  • Dirleton Castle Dirleton Castle
    Dirleton Castle was an imposing medieval fortress and noble residence, which is now a picturesque ruin not far from Edinburgh.
    Photo by PhillipC (cc)

  • Dunfermline Abbey and Palace Dunfermline Abbey and Palace
    Dunfermline Abbey and Palace was a royal residence and the final resting place of many a Scottish monarch.
    Photo by phault (cc)

  • Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle
    Edinburgh Castle is a medieval fortress and royal castle turned national monument and World Heritage site.
    Photo by Bernt Rostad (cc)

  • Holyroodhouse Palace Holyroodhouse Palace
    Holyroodhouse Palace is the Scottish royal residence famed as having been home to Mary Queen of Scots.
    Photo by ToniaYu (cc)

  • Inchcolm Abbey Inchcolm Abbey
    Inchcolm Abbey is a well-preserved twelfth century Augustinian monastery turned abbey located in an important defensive position.
    Photo by Andy Hawkins (cc)

  • Kinneil House and Museum Kinneil House and Museum
    Kinneil Estate is a fantastic historic site, centred around the 15th century Kinneil House. Also at the site are a Roman fortlet, the ruins of a medieval church, a museum and the cottage of inventor James Watt.

  • Linlithgow Palace Linlithgow Palace
    Linlithgow Palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and host to most of the Stuart kings.
    Photo by DaGoaty (cc)

  • Lochleven Castle Lochleven Castle
    Lochleven Castle was a medieval stronghold most renowned for being the prison of Mary Queen of Scots.
    Photo by kyz (cc)

  • National Museum of Scotland National Museum of Scotland
    The National Museum of Scotland has a diverse collection of artefacts and pieces relating to the history and culture of Scotland.
    Photo by Shadowgate (cc)

  • Rosslyn Chapel Rosslyn Chapel
    Rosslyn Chapel is a fifteenth century Catholic Church near Edinburgh in Scotland brimming with mysterious carvings.
    Photo by stormwarning (cc)

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