St Giles' Cathedral

Scotland’s most important place of worship
Word to the wise: This is still an active place of worship, holding services every week and on religious holidays, so visitors should be respectful at all times.

The religious centre of Scottish life for close to a millennium, St Giles’ Cathedral is a pivotal part of the Edinburgh landscape. Also known as The Mother Church of Presbyterianism, the building is instantly recognizable for both its assorted architecture and its famed crown spire.
Ravaged by a number of fires and battles throughout history, St Giles’ is now an eclectic mix of architectural styles, from medieval Gothic to Renaissance to Victorian, and its stunning stained glass windows and ceiling detailing reflect these contrasting eras of the city’s history.

The highlight here is the relatively modern Thistle Chapel – the official home of the country’s foremost Order of Chivalry. The masonry work in the chapel is, put simply, astonishing.