Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop the volcanic Castle Rock sits the sprawling Edinburgh Castle, a site occupied since the 9th century BCE. I joined a Uni tour last weekend as part of my quest to become acquainted with my new city's old history. Come take a whirl with me...

After walking through the hordes of tourists and shoppers along the Royal Mile -- and a beaming bride and kilt-clad groom outside of St. Giles -- we reached the entrance. The Castle dominates Edinburgh's skyline and can be seen from nearly every corner of the city.

Scotland's flag waving proudly above the Lang Stairs, taking visitors to the Upper Ward of the Castle

I donned an ever-fashionable audioguide headset and meandered through the stairwells, medieval towers, and royal apartments dispersed throughout the Castle grounds' various buildings. I spent three hours exploring each and every corner, learning about the history of (and seeing!) the Scottish Crown Jewels, the famous Royal Scots Greys cavalry, and the lineage of the Kings and Queens whose legacies have influenced Scotland and England for centuries.

The Castle was royal residence from the reign of David I in the 12th century to the Union of the Crowns in 1603 (when James VI, King of Scots, became the ruler of England, Ireland, and Scotland). Afterward serving primarily as a military garrison, the Castle suffered various attacks throughout its history -- but it has never been taken by force.

Its historical importance was realized in the nineteenth century, and the site has thus been under the care of Historic Scotland ever since. It still serves as an administrative and ceremonial site on occasion, but today its grandeur and numerous fantastic (and warm) museums attract more paying visitors than any other site in Scotland.

Silk shirt - Joie, cashmere sweater - Banana Republic, scarf - gift

A view of Calton Hill (toured on my first day in Edinburgh) from the tippy top of the Castle

After a few hours of exploration, those infamous Scottish winds got the best of me. I handed in my audioguide (with what will I accessorize now?!), descended the stairs toward the Grassmarket, curled my way along the Cowgate back to my flat, and treated myself to a steaming cup of ginger tea. Yet another successful day in Edinburgh :)

Laur