Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 19/06/2026 01:45:00

St Giles' Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is the principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland in the city, standing on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Its distinctive crown steeple, dating to the late 15th century, is one of the most recognisable features of the city's skyline. A church has stood on the site since at least the 12th century, and the present building grew through the medieval period before being reshaped over later centuries. Closely tied to the history of the Scottish Reformation - John Knox served as its minister - the cathedral contains the ornate Thistle Chapel, built in the early 20th century for the Order of the Thistle, along with notable stained glass and memorials. Today St Giles' is an active church as well as one of Edinburgh's most visited landmarks, welcoming worshippers and visitors and hosting regular services, concerts, and choral and organ recitals. Admission for sightseeing is by donation, with charges for photography permits, and the cathedral sits at the heart of the Old Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site.