United Kingdom
Edinburgh Castle
Welcome to Scotland! Edinburgh Castle sits high on a rocky hill right in the middle of the city, its stone walls and towers watching over Edinburgh just like they have for centuries.
Why is it famous?
It's one of the most-visited historic sites in the United Kingdom, famous for its dramatic hilltop setting.
The castle has played a part in Scottish history for over 1,000 years.
How was it formed?
The hill it sits on, Castle Rock, is actually the plug of an extinct volcano that erupted 350 million years ago.
Builders chose this spot because the steep, rocky sides made it almost impossible for enemies to attack.
Amazing facts
A famous cannon called Mons Meg, built in 1449, still sits inside the castle walls.
Every day at exactly 1:00 pm, a cannon called the One O'Clock Gun fires so people across the city can set their clocks.
Quick facts
- A famous cannon called Mons Meg, built in 1449, still sits inside the castle walls.
- Every day at exactly 1:00 pm, a cannon called the One O'Clock Gun fires so people across the city can set their clocks.
- The castle holds the Honours of Scotland — the country's ancient crown jewels.
- It has been a royal home, a military fort, and even a prison over the centuries.