How to visit St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh (Scotland): schedules

In the center of medieval city of Edinburgh, in the section of High Street for the Royal Mile, you will find the St Giles Cathedral.

Its architectural beauty will not leave you indifferent, since it is one of the Most notable monuments of the Scottish capital, whose sign is that it is the place where the mortal remains of the queen have been exposed Isabel II for the Scots to pay their respects.

During your Edinburgh visit it will be easy for you to find the St Giles Cathedral since it is located right in the most touristic area of ​​this very beautiful medieval city.

La St Giles Cathedral, also known as the Edinburgh High Kirk, is possibly the most important religious building in Scotland.

Curiosities about the history of Edinburgh Cathedral

To highlight a historical event that occurred within its walls when the preacher john knox founded the Scottish Presbyterian Church.

The origin of the Edinburgh St Giles Cathedral It dates back to the year 854, when a small parish was established on the site, until a new church was built in the year 1120.

Who was St Giles, patron saint of Edinburgh

Later, in 1243 the church acquired the name St Giles, french hermit who lived in the 7th century and who became the standard from the city of Edinburgh.

In 1385 the church was semi-destroyed by a fire, but was quickly rebuilt.

During the following years, numerous chapels were added so that by the mid-50th century the church had up to XNUMX altars.

It was in 1495 when its central tower was built, with the characteristic crown-shaped dome.

John Knox's Reformation Sermon at St Giles, Edinburgh

And already in the year 1559 the aforementioned john knox hit St Giles first Reformation sermon, which would lead to the creation of the Scottish Presbyterian Church.

Years later, in 1635, the first bishop of the new diocese of Edinburgh was appointed, and St Giles It became a cathedral.

Finally, during the 19th century, St Giles CathedralDue to the state of deterioration it suffered, it underwent numerous restorations.

If at dusk you walk down the street Royal Mile from the Edinburgh castleI'm sure you will stay impressed by the beauty of the facade of st giles cathedral.

Also from there you can appreciate its peculiar tower with its crown-shaped peak.

The beautiful west façade is oriented to the same square where the old building of the Scottish Parliament, and in front of it you will see the statue of Duke of Bucceluch.

What to see on a visit to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

But it is perhaps in the visit to its interior where the Gothic style of St Giles Cathedral You will find it more surprising.

Order of the Thistle Chapel in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh

In this interior, what stands out above all is the spectacular Chapel of the Order of the ThistleWithout a doubt, the most beautiful corner of the cathedral building.

But what is the Order of the Thistle ?

It is a Scottish order of knights whose foundation seems to date back to the beginning of the 1687th century, although its current rules date back to XNUMX when they were established by the King James II of Scotland.

And where can you see the chapel in the edinburgh cathedral?

It is located in a somewhat hidden corner so you must look carefully so as not to miss what is considered the most important corner of the cathedral.

As you proceed along the right side nave of the cathedral towards the presbytery, the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle You will find it at the back of the aforementioned nave, to the right.

Since this order of chivalry was founded in the Middle Ages, be appointed member of it by the king o the Queen It was (and still is...) the highest honor there is in Scotland.

La Order of the Thistle had initially his own chapel in the Holyroodhouse Palace Abbey.

But only a year later it was looted by the crowd in reaction to the king's declaration of loyalty to the Catholic Church, so for 200 years the order did not have its own chapel.

Finally, at the beginning of the last 20th century, the construction of a chapel began in the St Giles Cathedral, which was completed in the year 1911.

When you enter this small chapel, it is advisable, after taking a first look, to sit in one of the 16 seats for the members of the order to be able to fully enjoy the different corners of it.

In the rectangular Chapel of the Order of the Thistle You will be able to see the ornate decoration of the wooden seats, with their canopies and all the heraldic and religious scenography, with inevitable Scottish touches, such as angels playing bagpipes.

In addition to the 16 seats of the knights of the order, which continue to be named now by the King of england, you will see the two seats reserved for the Queen y the king presiding over the small room, as well as the seat occupied by the sovereign of the order.

During your visit you should not fail to look up to see the beautiful stained glass windows, as well as the roof that covers the chapel with completely ribbed shapes.

Stained glass in Edinburgh St Giles Cathedral

Also worth highlighting in this cathedral are its beautiful and colorful gothic style stained glass, which are relatively modern.

The stained glass windows that we can currently see in the Edinburgh St Giles Cathedral They have been installed in successive renovations during the 19th and 20th centuries, so you will not see any stained glass windows that date back to medieval times.

La most notable stained glass window is known as Burns Window, which you find on the main façade facing west, and through which you will access to visit the cathedral.

This stained glass window was commissioned in 1985 by an Icelandic artist, who created a semi-abstract design based on the themes of the Scottish poet. Robert Burns.

Schedule to visit St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

El time to visit St Giles Cathedral es, Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 17 p.m., and Sundays, from 13 p.m. to 17 p.m.

You also have free guided tours in English of Edinburgh Cathedral, under normal conditions, every day at 10,30:14.30 a.m. and 45:XNUMX p.m., with a duration of XNUMX minutes.

You can also sign up for Audio Tour what can you follow with your own mobile, for now only in English, with a duration of 45 minutes and a price of £5,50.

Dates and times Concerts in Edinburgh Cathedral

If you are interested in making your visit coincide with any Music concert, you should know that in the cathedral there are usually organ and cathedral choir concerts.

Here you have the information about the concert program and times at St Giles Cathedral.

And if you're lucky, the visit may coincide with a celtic music concert, just as I had the opportunity to enjoy during my visit.