Edinburgh has been recognized as the capital of Scotland since the 15th century, and was named after Edwin, a king of ancient Northumbria.
To begin your exploration of this magnificent city, take the rail to Waverley railway station. You will then emerge at Princes Street Gardens.
There before you is Edinburgh Castle, perched on a crag of volcanic rock. Except for the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle is the most visited ancient monument in the United Kingdom. Annually, approximately one million people visit this splendid piece of ancient architecture.
Every history traveler should visit the Edinburg Castle, not only because of the historical interest, but also because of the panoramic view it offers of the city.
From this view, one will truly appreciate the dramatic topography of Edinburgh, situated between sea and hills creating a remarkable valley.
Halfway along this valley rising like giant trees are the columns of the National Gallery of Scotland and the home of contemporary art, the Royal Scottish Academy. To the right soars the Scott Monument, a tribute to the Edinburgh writer, Sir Walter Scott.
Within the confines of the Castle, there is much to see. It was the seat (and regular refuge) of Scottish Kings, and the historical apartments include the Great Hall, which now houses an interesting collection of weapons and armour.
The Royal apartments include a tiny room in which Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the boy who was to become King James VI of Scotland and James 1 of England upon the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603. The ancient Honors of Scotland - the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword of State - are on view in the Crown Room. Nearby is the Scottish National War Memorial, a building designed and created shortly after the First World War; many who enter find the experience a moving one.
Edinburgh Castle is also the home of the One O'Clock Gun. This is fired every day except Sunday at precisely 1.00pm to provide everyone with an accurate check for their clocks and watches. It will certainly startle you if you are anywhere near the Castle at that moment!
The oldest building in all Edinburgh is to be found within the Castle precincts. It is St. Margaret's Chapel, a tiny Norman building which has been standing there intact for more than 900 years. It has survived all the sieges and bombardments to which the fortress on the rock was subjected during that period.
On several occasions the castle was razed - but the demolishers invariably spared the chapel of the good St Margaret because of its religious significance.
Before leaving the Castle, look in the north-east corner for a small iron wall-fountain; it is popularly known as the Witches' Well, and it commemorates the grim fact that, centuries ago, many women held to be guilty of witchcraft were put to death at the stake on this spot.
This article is part of the Historic Travel series on The Scotland Traveler.
