One of the most famous and, at the same time the most mysterious castles, is in Scotland, in its capital city of Edinburgh. Due to its long and complicated history, architectural style and location, Edinburgh Castle is rightfully the most visited monument of history and architecture in all of Scotland. The first definite evidence of the castle is connected with the reign of King David I, who convened a meeting of the nobles and church leaders in the castle since 1139.
In this huge castle is interesting all without exception - architecture, interior decoration, the myths and legends associated with it, and even the road that leads to the fortifications. Edinburgh Castle is not the residence of the monarchs, and the most that neither is fortified and impregnable fortress. Otherwise it cannot be, because it is a stronghold of the whole of Scotland, and from ancient times the castle, situated on an extinct volcano, was referred to as "the key to the country!"
Castle, towering on "Castle Rock", is a favorite place of professional photographers. Photos of Edinburgh Castle, taken from various foreshortenings, amaze imagination and become a decoration of any room, are it an office or living room of the cottage a reputable company. At the moment, in the area adjacent to the fortifications, archaeological excavations are continuing (Tabraham).
It has been proved that even before the architectural structure to "Castle Rock," there lived ancient people. Of course, they themselves have chosen this place already after the volcano has ceased to be valid. Surprisingly, each discovery scientists at Edinburgh Castle, does not give answers but confronts historians of the next questions (Edinburghcastle.gov.uk).
"Castle Rock" - ancient history. The first mention of the appearance of human settlements on the "Castle Rock" found in the work of Andrew Winston, who wrote a huge work, consisting of nine books, which described in detail the history of the whole of Scotland. Nine volumes have been called "metrical chronicle of the country": In one of the books by Andrew Winston argues that the first people on "Castle Rock" appeared in about 1000 years before our era.
Edinburgh Castle today. Visitors get acquainted with the "heart of Scotland", must necessarily come to the castle on the street called "royal mile". This street also belongs among the main attractions of the UK. Once the traveler reaches the territory of Edinburgh Castle, he is, first of all, being sure to visit the chapel of St. Margaret, because apart from the fact that it is an active Catholic church, it is also considered one of the oldest buildings on the entire territory of the United Kingdom. Almost the entire castle is a museum: the walls of the barracks, "Governor House" huge rooms and prison cells are numerous exhibitions. All these exhibitions tell only about two things: the history of appearance on the "castle rock" fortress, and the struggle for Scottish independence. The castle is striking in its grandeur and architecture. Castle Rock on which is located this delightful miracle, is an extinct volcano (YouTube).
In the course of writing my research I have used the video sources, namely EdinburghVideoGuide. In it can be clearly traced architecture and the plan of the castle. Understand the current state of the castle as well as a variety of exhibitions. I also used in my work the historical records and the official website of Edinburgh Castle, where it is possible to find all necessary and useful information about the construction.
Picture. 1. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland (Roughguides.com)
Works cited
YouTube,. 'EDINBURGH CASTLE'. N.p., 2015. Web. 29 June 2015.
Tabraham, C. J. Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh: Historic Scotland, 2003. Print.
Edinburghcastle.gov.uk,. 'Edinburgh Castle - The Iconic Scottish Tourist Attraction'. N.p., 2015. Web. 29 June 2015.
Roughguides.com,. 'Edinburgh Castle, Scotland | Photo Gallery'. N.p., 2015. Web. 29 June 2015.
