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The Scottish capital's long and rich
 A neo-pagan fertility ceremony |
Calton Hill Edinburgh United Kingdom +44 131 228 5353 |
The Beltane Fire Festival, held on Calton Hill on 30th April, is a neo-pagan fertility ceremony. Revellers in costume and bodypaint dance around the hill to the sound of various drummers, musicians. Bonfires rage and spectacular props abound to make the whole thing a rare and often enthralling sight. It all begins at about 9:30p when the May Queen emerges from the Acropolis with her White Women. Together with the Green Man, they process around the hill visiting sites dedicated to each of the four elements. After the Dionysian Red Men have been seen off, the Green Man is subjected to a symbolic death and resurrection before marrying the May Queen. Fires are lit and the May Queen returns to her bower as the festival continues on through the night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ali Kurtze |
 Photo: Lucas Koscielniak |
 Photo: Stuart McGlashan |
 The folly on the hill |
Regent Road Edinburgh EH1 3DG United Kingdom +44 131 200 2000 |
Calton Hill is open to all during daylight hours and is free of charge. Take the steps up from Regent Road and then choose between more steps or a more gentle walk along the path. There are magnificent views of Fife, Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth from the summit, and the definitive view of Princes Street. The hill is the stage for the epic Beltane Festival celebrations at midsummer, with drumming, partying and a colourful pageant ushering in the new season. Monuments at the top include the Nelson Monument and a part-reproduction of the Parthenon, intended to commemorate the war dead in the Napoleonic wars. Alas, it ran out of funding and has become known as Edinburgh's Folly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Davidson |
 Photo: Michael Koch |
 Photo: Tim Ball |
 Photo: nearthecastle |
 Photo: William Marnoch |
 Photo: Alexander Robinson |
 Photo: Kate (MaryKathleen A  |
 Photo: kwei |
 Photo: Lee |
 Photo: Jano van Hemert |
 Photo: Peter Merridew |
 Photo: Colin Meney |
 Photo: Diane Tsuji |
 Photo: Ellissay |
 Photo: Stuart Caie |
 Photo: Ian Munnings |
 Photo: Florian Halbritter |
 Photo: Chris Eidhof |
 Photo: sobencha |
 Photo: sobencha |
 Photo: Mac |
 Photo: Umm'Err |
 Photo: rhondapalooza |
 Photo: Robin.Huang |
 Photo: Robert Pogorzelski |
 Photo: Chris Yule |
 Photo: john yates |
 Photo: Gaizka Portillo |
 Photo: katya zharova |
 Photo: Robert Larner |
 Photo: Christopher Sessums |
 Photo: Ivan Lisenkov |
 Photo: Amalie Sell |
 Photo: xeme817 |
 Photo: norman_baboo |
 Photo: David Crosbie |
 Photo: Laura Mickelson |
 Photo: Xander Shaw |
 Photo: Ewan Michael Riley |
 Photo: Sandy M |
 Photo: Ian Brydon |
 Photo: ivymetallic |
 Photo: Harriet Knight |
 Photo: Daniel McAvoy |
 Photo: Mark Celsor |
 Photo: Pip R. Lagenta |
 Photo: Mélanie Losier |
 Photo: Belinda Watson |
 Photo: aidanoc |
 Photo: Andrew Nicholls |
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Edinburgh Festival Fringe |
180 High Street (Organisor) City of Edinburgh EH1 1QS United Kingdom +44 (0)131 226 0026 (Organisor) http://www.edfringe.com/ |
The Fringe is a welcoming forum for both the established star and the unknown genius of tomorrow. For three weeks in August each year, the city is alive with a frenzy of creativity, hosting more than 2,000 shows held at various venues throughout the city. More than 30% of the program is smade up by theater. The rest is rounded out with comedy, music, dance, children's shows and exhibitions. Expect anything from the profoundly serious to the deliriously silly. The program is launched in June, with tickets available through August; book early if you want to get to your first-choice program. Ticket prices vary according to venue and performance. If you're tight on cash or someone who's always looking for a bargain, keep in mind that over 300 of the shows are free to the public. Call or check the website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: FiPZiE.CoM |
 Photo: Duce McCune |
 Photo: FiPZiE.CoM |
 Photo: Marjolijn Kamphuis |
 Photo: Joy Columbretis |
 Photo: Laurenz Bobke |
 Photo: Dave Flynn |
 Photo: Dave Flynn |
 Photo: Ian Potter |
 Photo: Richard Hoskins |
 Photo: Bev Turner |
 Photo: Chen Yu |
 Photo: ShakespeareCast.com |
 Photo: Rodrigo Gomez-Tagle |
 Photo: Mulloy Morrow |
 Photo: William T Shiers |
 Photo: AVVoCADo |
 Photo: susie bergen |
 Photo: Thomas Suski |
 Photo: Emmett Dzieza |
 Photo: John. A. Long |
 Photo: Tom Rolfe |
 Photo: Shomair |
 Photo: Dominic Travers |
 Photo: Catherine Sparks |
 Photo: Zoe Goodacre |
 Photo: Charlie Wood |
 Photo: alclouston2003 |
 Photo: Tony Lukeman |
 Photo: Freddie Botham |
 Photo: X3NiTH |
 Photo: David Gilmour |
 Photo: Andrew Tobin |
 Photo: Jan Grieve |
 Photo: Jason Prince |
 Photo: David Craig |
 Photo: Craig Muir |
 Photo: Sarah Gale |
 Photo: Dan Weill |
 Photo: Marco Duizer |
 Photo: Mark Thornton |
 Photo: Sabrina |
 Photo: Jason Seymour |
 Photo: Siobhan Mitchell |
 Photo: arekarek74 |
 Photo: Mike Spence |
 Photo: James Mackenzie |
 Photo: Anne Gallacher |
 Photo: diskojez |
 Photo: doug_alba |
 Photo: Akil Suvarna |
 Photo: Roxanne Paris |
 Photo: ici-c-la-capitale-du |
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The oldest of six arts festivals |
Various venues Edinburgh United Kingdom +44 131 473 2001 http://www.edinburgh-festivals... |
The Edinburgh International Festival is one of six arts festivals which, together, make up The Edinburgh Festival. The focus of the event is to "provide the world with a centre where, year after year, all that is best in music, drama and the visual arts can be seen and heard in ideal surroundings". Edinburgh is indeed ideal: the beauty of the surrounding landscape provides the perfect backdrop for the music and drama of the International Festival. Opera, ballet, symphony concerts, and performances all take place in the larger venues around the city. The programme is available in March, and tickets are EUR5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Gardner |
 Photo: Lauren |
 Photo: Sivakumar Rajamanickam |
 Photo: E.Robson |
 Photo: Peter Doe |
 Photo: www.theedinburghblog |
 Photo: E.Robson |
 Photo: Greg Beal |
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World famous military display |
32 Market St Edinburgh EH1 1QB United Kingdom +44 131 555 1188 http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/ |
The Tattoo is one of the world's finest military displays. First performed in 1950, it is a splendid mix of pomp, pageantry, music, ceremony, entertainment and drama, all set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle during the festival. Although the central appeal still remains the stirring sight and sound of the massed pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments, the event has an international flavour with performers invited from all over the world. Tickets range from GBP9-GBP25, depending upon seating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Luechinger |
 Photo: Jim Elliott |
 Photo: Arabella Benson |
 Photo: Jenny Lally |
 Photo: Eddie Dowds |
 Photo: J.Rollfinke |
 Photo: Tiffany Pan |
 Photo: Laura Wylie |
 Photo: Benjamin Fenech |
 Photo: cupcakeuk |
 Photo: cupcakeuk |
 Photo: Kylie Ding |
 Photo: Steven and Natalie Yates |
 Photo: Stephen Canty |
 Photo: rickymuso1975 |
 Photo: volvosmith |
 Photo: Patricia Parodi Herz |
 Photo: Alastair Pether |
 Photo: aldous2000deluxe |
 Photo: Patrick Fulton |
 Photo: Sally Tomato |
 Photo: iansz |
 Photo: Dan Ridley-Ellis |
 Photo: Riverman2008 |
 Photo: Luca Mauri |
 Photo: leannetpf |
 Photo: Zoe Harris |
 Photo: Mike Vardas |
 Photo: Fizzy Piglets |
 Photo: Amanda A. McFaul |
 Photo: atonfan |
 Photo: Eric Mohseni |
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Where Greyfriar's Bobby kept his vigil |
Greyfriars Place Edinburgh EH1 2QQ United Kingdom +44 131 226 5429 http://www.greyfriarskirk.com/ |
The kirkyard, dedicated on Christmas Day 1620, stands on the site of a 15th century Franciscan Friary. It has a fine collection of 17th century Scottish monuments and a rich musical tradition. You can also view the National Covenant, adopted and signed here in 1638. There are many fascinating tales and ghost stories connected with this historic church. 1,400 covenanters were imprisoned in the kirkyard in 1679 for their beliefs, a sorry fact remembered by the martyrs' monument. Furthermore, there is the famous memorial to Greyfriar's Bobby, the devoted Skye Terrier owned by John Gray, a local police constable. When Gray died in 1858, Bobby loyally sat watch over his master's grave in this kirkyard for 14 years, until he himself died. Services include the only weekly Gaelic worship in this part of the country. Recitals and concerts are also staged throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard Whittaker |
 Photo: Ariane Bromma |
 Photo: Anne |
 Photo: Chris Hartford |
 Photo: Colin Ryan |
 Photo: Jeni |
 Photo: Alan Islas |
 Photo: Graeme Mathieson |
 Photo: John McDermott |
 Photo: Peggy Keene |
 Photo: Ink & Mess |
 Photo: Mercia Silva |
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New Year First Footing |
City Centre Edinburgh United Kingdom +44 131 529 3914 http://www.edinburghshogmanay.... |
Hogmanay's New Year "First-Footing" started with the legacy of a tall, dark stranger appearing on the doorstep at midnight brandishing a lump of coal, which means good fortune for the new year. Since such a meeting was unlikely, locals started visiting each other's houses with food, coal and the odd alcoholic beverage for a party. Today the celebration culminates at "the bells" at midnight with a fireworks display over the Edinburgh Castle. There is also a program of events on New Year's Day, including a "Loony Dook" plunge into the Forth, a Triathlon, and street theatre. See website for yearly details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ed Tarwinski |
 Photo: Andrew Moir |
 Photo: Janie Mehew |
 Photo: Iain K-N |
 Photo: Nick Beese |
 Photo: Garth W Hulbert |
 Photo: booksfromboxes |
 Photo: George Rispin |
 Photo: Helen Wright |
 Photo: Cheryl & Phil Norton |
 Photo: Su Perera |
 Photo: Craig Knott |
 Photo: Sarah Miller |
 Photo: Campbell Brown |
 Photo: ebbandflo_pomomama |
 Photo: porrence |
 Photo: Alan Pursell |
 Photo: Rain Dog |
 Photo: Alex Kalff |
 Photo: Karl McCabe |
 Photo: Specialesumpen |
 Photo: them that swim |
 Photo: Laura Gillespie |
 Photo: netlancer2006 |
 Photo: FearfulReaper |
 Photo: James Fleming |
 A natural wilderness in the city |
Holyrood Park Road Edinburgh EH16 5BT United Kingdom |
Holyrood Park, also known as Queen's Park, is an area of wild natural beauty representing all the features traditionally associated with the Scottish landscape, such as craggy mountains, lochs, fields of heather, glens and marshland. It contains Arthur's Seat (an extinct volcano), Holyroodhouse Palace, and a bird sanctuary. It was a Royal hunting ground in the 12th century and then became a Royal park in the 16th century, but the 650 acre site is now public. Take care because the paths are steep - they form a slightly tricky yet delightful walk and the view from the top always makes the climb worth the effort. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fergus Ray Murray |
 Photo: beth mercer |
 Photo: Nick Curran |
 Photo: Matt Riggott |
 Photo: Jeff Barnes |
 Photo: Sarah Barrie |
 Photo: Barnaby Dellar |
 Photo: Lydia Berry-Koppang |
 Photo: Jette Goldie |
 Photo: ariel mather |
 Photo: Daisuke Iso |
 Photo: Patrick Down |
 Photo: Dave Ferris |
 Photo: Kevin Rickis |
 Photo: einszwodrei |
 Photo: Stephanie M.Strassel |
 Photo: Stephanie M.Strassel |
 Photo: Gary Purdue |
 Photo: Hanne Soegaard |
 Photo: Joaquín Morís (ETLL) |
 Photo: Martin Rafanan |
 Photo: Julien et Caroline |
 Photo: Summer Block |
 Photo: hanmar25 |
 Photo: sars forbes |
 Photo: neomi_ |
 Photo: Patrick Renckly |
 Photo: Curtis Thomas |
 Photo: a.c. robinson |
 Photo: Anita Kilgour |
 Photo: Bocian & Tusia |
 Photo: Ken Smith |
 Photo: Monique Posa |
 Photo: smileyface71 |
 Photo: billfromesm |
 National Museum of Scotland |
Chambers Street City of Edinburgh EH1 1JF United Kingdom +44 131 247 4422 http://www.nms.ac.uk/ |
Next door to the Royal Museum, the stunning new Museum of Scotland (opened 1998) details the history of the Scottish people. From the beginning of time through present day, the history of Scotland is explained through galleries and displays in a wonderful, informative exhibition. Wander through the halls and wonder at the fossils, the ancient jewelery and artifacts. Travel back in time to the industrial revolution and the Scottish position in the British Empire. Marvel at the technological advances that have taken Scotland to modernity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Chiou |
 Photo: Ruuy Lestrade |
 Photo: Heather Kennedy |
 Photo: Roselea |
 Photo: Jim Forest |
 Photo: Jim Forest |
 Photo: itsjustkate |
 Photo: itsjustkate |
 Photo: SHADOWGATE PHOTOBOOK |
 Photo: James Chiou |
 Photo: Mark Ferbert |
 Photo: Paul Murtagh |
 Photo: Thomas Olausson |
 Photo: weirdcrank |
 Photo: Mike Line |
 Photo: paddy88 |
 Photo: elmoeprad |
 Photo: Eduardo Leal |
 Photo: Peter Braden |
 Photo: Chris Welch |
 Photo: Mark Wilkin |
 Photo: Steve Hodgson |
 Photo: Tames Juomey |
 Photo: Chris Barry |
 Photo: Paulina honig |
 Photo: Julian Burgess |
 Photo: Stephanie Burgis |
 Photo: Kasia Mysza |
 Photo: Ashish Rijal |
 Photo: Dawn |
 Photo: maurizio franceschi |
 Photo: Tim Breeze |
 Photo: jujubh |
 Photo: Alasdair Thompson |
 Photo: Lilly Hunter |
 Photo: Stacy Chen |
 Photo: Mark Anderson |
 Photo: Susanne |
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Castle and city views |
Calton Hill Regent Road Edinburgh EH7 5AA United Kingdom +44 131 556 2716 |
Up on Calton Hill sits this monument to Nelson's famous victory at Trafalgar in 1805 (the monument itself was built in 1816). It resembles an upturned telescope and was designed by the architect Robert Burn. Once inside this impressive building, visitors may climb the 143 steps to the top and view Edinburgh in its entirety - behold the great 360 degree views of the city, across to the Firth of Forth, and over to Arthur's Seat, Holyroodhouse Palace and Edinburgh Castle. At the very top is a clever timed device that drops a huge ball to coincide with the one o'clock gun fired from the Castle - it was devised to enable sailors to check their chronometers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lex Hall |
 Photo: Ryan Fant |
 Photo: Ros Pyne |
 Photo: Jet Lin |
 Photo: Lucio José Martínez González |
 Photo: kevin wood |
 Photo: JuanJ |
 Photo: Chatchavan W. |
 Photo: Irina Kagan |
 Photo: Paul Freeman |
 Photo: Indian_Chimp |
 Photo: jestevez.villa |
 Photo: Brian McDow |
 Photo: Danielle Maxwell |
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Expansive botanic garden |
20A Inverleith Row Edinburgh EH3 5LR United Kingdom +44 131 552 7171 http://www.rbge.org.uk/ |
Royal Botanic Garden includes cycads (plants from the dinosaur era) and Britain's tallest palm trees. In the rock garden, there are marsh orchids, campanulas and lilies. The Pringle Chinese Collection, an unrivalled assembly of wild-origin Chinese plants, grow in a wild water ravine. Other delights include the Azalea Lawn, the Alpine Collection, and the silver-shimmery winter garden. Founded in the 17th century, the Royal Botanic Garden started life the size of a tennis court, it now extends to 31 hectares. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: K. Koopmans |
 Photo: Kunda Muro |
 Photo: Stuart Barrett |
 Photo: Lee |
 Photo: Carina Scheibe |
 Photo: Lee |
 Photo: Carina Scheibe |
 Photo: www.theedinburghblog |
 Photo: Julia |
 Photo: Stuart Barrett |
 Photo: beatprocessor |
 Photo: Tim Waters |
 Photo: Katherine |
 Photo: Katherine |
 Photo: Iain Henderson |
 Photo: Iain Henderson |
 Photo: Thomas |
 Photo: Alexey Mityaev |
 Photo: R Baxter |
 Photo: Byung Sun Lee |
 Photo: Janette |
 Photo: Sarah |
 Photo: abrarnadir |
 Photo: Franziska |
 Photo: Katerina Lisenkova |
 Photo: Gaye |
 Photo: Andy Jones |
 Photo: Kerr Alexander |
 Photo: mtcl |
 Photo: iamagoblin |
 Photo: D. Clarke |
 Photo: Wardi Sanusi |
 Photo: Neil Montgomery |
 Photo: Robert Newhart |
 Photo: LisaB 23 |
 Photo: Matthew Toy |
 Photo: Steve Rider |
 Photo: Leanan Oaklynne Sidhe na Dearcan |
 Photo: glugger |
 Photo: Sophie Ramette |
 Photo: nige & else |
 Photo: umar ihsan |
 Photo: Robin Allan |
 Photo: Jennifer Green |
 Photo: Mojtaba Hadian |
 Photo: Richard Culleton |