Edinburgh - виртуальное путешествие (Английский язык)

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and it is located in central eastern Scotland, near the Firth of Forth, close to the North Sea. Thanks to its spectacular rocks, rustic buildings and a huge collection of medieval and classic architecture, including numerous stone decorations, it is often considered one of the most lively cities in Europe.

Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437, when it replaced Scone. The Scottish Parliament resides in Edinburgh. However, in the past, Edinburgh Castle was often under English control. Before the 10th Century, Edinburgh was under the control of the Anglo-Saxons and Danelaw. Because of this previous Anglo-Saxon ruling, Edinburgh was often, along with the Border counties of Scotland, involved in the disputes between the English and the Scottish. There was a long string of clashes between these two in these regions as the English tried to claim Anglo-Saxon domains and the Scottish fought for land to the north of Hadrian’s Wall. When in the 15th century Edinburgh had been under Scottish rule for a significant period of time, King James IV of Scotland moved the Royal Court to Edinburgh, and the city became the capital by proxy.

Edinburgh is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it is a city with a fantastic position. The view falls on all sides – green hills, the hint of the blue sea, the silhouettes of the buildings and the red cliffs. It is a city that calls you to explore it by foot – narrow streets, passageways, stairs and hidden church yards on every step will pull you away from the main streets.

The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. It is the capital of Scotland and home to many tourist attractions. A visit here will be well worth it, considering the numerous things you can do and see. Most of the structures in the Old Town have remained in their original form over the years. Charming medieval relics are plenty in this section of the city. In contrast, orderly Georgian terraces line the streets of the New Town. The general urban scenery is a blend of ancient structures and modern architecture, which gives the city a unique character. In 1995, the Old Town was listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. With year round festivals, a throbbing nightlife and an entertaining arts scene, Edinburgh never falls short of interesting travel ventures for tourists.

Edinburgh and culture

Edinburgh is a city of literature – it was the first city to be called the UNESCO city of Literature. Visit the National Library of Scotland, the Museum of Writers, the Scottish Center of Story Telling, the Library of Poetry and many other libraries. The list of famous Scottish authors is very long, just choose your favorite one and enjoy researching everything linked to that person: Arthur Conan Doyle, J.K. Rowling, Robert Fergusson, Robert Burns, Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Allan Ramsay, Alexander McCall Smith, Ian Rankin, Liz Lochhead, James Kelman, Alasdair Grey, Dorothy Dunnett, Muriel Spark, Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Neil M. Gunn, John Buchan, Hugh MacDiarmid…

Edinburgh is a beautiful city filled with stunning geology. Its diverse landscape is worth seeing, as it transforms from the volcanic Pentland Hills in the south, to the seaside resort of Portobello in the East. To get a birds-eye view of the city, you can scale Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, which is one of the most popular attractions.

Edinburgh Castle

No matter how you get to Edinburgh – by train, bus or cab from the airport –  Edinburgh Castle is a must see destination. You don’t need to be a good strategist to know why the castle is located at that spot – the volcanic hill with the sharp cliffs that have been cut by glaciers is the main reason Edinburgh is located here. From this spot it is very easy to defend Edinburgh from an attack from all directions.

Castle has changed its owners many times; it was captured by the English and Scottish,. When you arrive you must, visit  St. Margaret’s chapel – the oldest part in the castles complex and it is likely the oldest building that can be found in Edinburgh; it was built presumably around 1130. in the honour of queen Margaret who lived in the 11th century, and also boasts two beautiful rustic chandeliers that date respectively from 1695 and 1735. Edinburgh Castle is one of the attractions that you simply must see. It is the most visited tourist attraction in Scotland.

Other places of interest and things to do

·        Calton Hill, home to Edinburgh’s most prominent monuments

·        National Museum of Scotland, explore the natural world and Scottish history

·        Scotch Whisky Experience, a guided tour explaining the distillation process of making this whisky

·        Royal Mile, one of the oldest parts of the city with a road that starts nearby Edinburgh Castle and winds down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse

·        Children’s attractions are also available and they include Edinburgh Zoo, Deep Sea World, Georgie City Farm, and Laserquest

·        Edinburgh is home to many theatres, where art lovers flock to witness on stage performances such as plays, operas, music concerts, and cabarets.