The cathedral that isn't one anymore, yet everyone still calls it that
Right on the Royal Mile, halfway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a gray stone silhouette commands the middle of the High Street. Its crown shaped spire stands out instantly from every other steeple in the Old Town.
What most visitors call St. Giles' Cathedral actually goes by another official name: High Kirk of Edinburgh. The mix-up isn't new since it lost its official cathedral status way back in the 17th century, but the name stuck in everyday speech.
Why visit St. Giles' Cathedral
King David I founded the church in 1124. The building you see today got its start in the 14th century and expanded through the early 16th century, before undergoing major renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The landmark is closely tied to Scottish history. John Knox, a leading figure of the Scottish Reformation, served as its minister. It is also the spot where in 1637, a woman named Jenny Geddes reportedly threw a stool at a minister reading the new Anglican prayer book, an act of defiance that sparked a riot and led to the signing of the National Covenant.
The Thistle Chapel, a room of its own
Since 1911, the Thistle Chapel has served as the home of the Knights of the Thistle, a Scottish order of chivalry dating back to 1687. Designed in the neo-gothic arts and crafts style by architect Robert Lorimer, it is famous for its wood carvings featuring angels, animals, and flowers.
The rest of the interior is packed with details worth spotting: striking stained glass windows, an eye-catching blue ceiling, a statue of John Knox standing roughly 1.8 metres tall, a copy of the National Covenant, and no fewer than 66 carved green men hidden throughout the building.
Planning your visit
Free guided tours run daily at 10:30 AM. A cafe sits beneath the main building, and a gift shop rounds out the complex, closed on Sundays.
Good to know:
- Free admission, donations appreciated
- Photography permit required to be purchased at reception if you want to take photos or video inside
- Free guided tours daily at 10:30 AM
Friendly tip: St. Giles' remains an active church, which means access to certain areas can be restricted without notice for services. Plan some flexibility into your schedule if seeing the Thistle Chapel is a priority.
Opening hours
- From April to September:
- Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- From October to March:
- Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
How long for this activity
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore the interior, the Thistle Chapel, and the stained glass windows.
What makes this cathedral stand out and instantly recognizable is its main spire, which is topped by a crown-shaped roof.
To go inside, someone at the entrance suggests making a donation (recommended amount is 10 pounds, but it is totally up to you).
You can walk through the interior pretty quickly. Inside you will find Gothic architecture that is elegant without being spectacular. The stained glass windows are worth the trip.