Overview
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress overlooking Edinburgh, Scotland, from Castle Rock. The site has been occupied since at least the Iron Age, and a royal castle stood there by the eleventh century during the reign of Malcolm III. It remained a royal residence until 1633, although its residential importance had declined as its military role increased.
The castle served at various times as a royal residence, fortress, arsenal, treasury, national archive, mint and prison. It was involved in conflicts ranging from the Wars of Scottish Independence to the Jacobite rising of 1745 and was repeatedly besieged. Much of the medieval fortress was destroyed during the Lang Siege of 1573. Surviving early structures include Saint Margaret’s Chapel, dating from the early twelfth century, the Royal Palace and the Great Hall.
Edinburgh Castle later became an important site for preserving and interpreting Scotland’s military and national history. It houses the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish National War Memorial, the National War Museum and several regimental museums. The British Army retains a ceremonial and administrative presence at the castle.
Historic Environment Scotland manages Edinburgh Castle as a historic attraction. The castle also serves as the setting for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and received more than two million visitors in 2025.
Quick Facts
- Status
- Existing
