All places on the map· City of Edinburgh
St Giles' Cathedral
Religious site4.6 · 13 2514.5 · 6 773≈ 45 minFree entry458 m from the center
Standing at the center of the Royal Mile for nine centuries, St Giles' Cathedral is Edinburgh's principal historic place of worship and the cradle of Scottish Presbyterianism. It was here that reformer John Knox preached during the 16th-century Scottish Reformation. Renowned for its distinctive 15th-century crown spire, the sanctuary features soaring ribbed stone vaults, vibrant stained-glass windows, and the exquisite Thistle Chapel.
Highlights
- Principal historic parish church of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile since 1124
- Distinctive medieval lantern crown spire shaping Edinburgh's skyline
- Ornate neo-Gothic Thistle Chapel with intricate hand-carved heraldic stalls
- Historic center of the Scottish Reformation led by preacher John Knox
Opening hours
| Mon | 10:00 – 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sat | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Sun | 13:00 – 17:00 |
Featured in itineraries
What’s nearby
Charles II of England.
0 min walk · 36 m
Heart of Midlothian is a historical site related to Scotland's football culture.
1 min walk · 43 m
Mercat Cross marks the historical market in Edinburgh.
1 min walk · 47 m
Fifth Duke of Buccleuch Memorial.
1 min walk · 51 m
The Real Mary King's Close
1 min walk · 54 m
4.6
Alexander And Bucephalus.
1 min walk · 78 m
David Hume Memorial.
1 min walk · 96 m
Tron Square Clock is a landmark timepiece in Edinburgh.
2 min walk · 162 m
Create your City of Edinburgh itinerary
St Giles' Cathedral is already in our database — build a personalized itinerary in minutes.
Create itinerary→