Edinburgh - St Giles Cathedral 


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The patron saint of Edinburgh gave his name to Edinburgh's High Kirk of St Giles. St Egidius or St Gilles du Gar was born in Athens in 640 and later lived as a hermit in Provence. His links with Scotland go back to the old ties between Scotland and France.
Consecrated in 1243, the cathedral is Edinburgh's principal church. Although it is often described as a cathedral, it has only functioned as such since the 17th century. A church stood on the same spot in the middle of the ninth century, but it was replaced by a Norman-style chapel in 1120. Work started on the Gothic church at the end of the 14th century after its Norman predecessor was burnt down by Richard II. Only an entrance portal and part of the choir remain. About 1460 the
Consecrated in 1243, the cathedral is Edinburgh's principal church. Although it is often described as a cathedral, it has only functioned as such since the 17th century. A church stood on the same spot in the middle of the ninth century, but it was replaced by a Norman-style chapel in 1120. Work started on the Gothic church at the end of the 14th century after its Norman predecessor was burnt down by Richard II. Only an entrance portal and part of the choir remain. About 1460 the
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Hobbies & Activities category: Towers, monuments, observation deck; Architecture - Gothic; Architecture - Medieval; Christian sites
St Giles Cathedral Highlights
St Giles Cathedral Tour
The nave and choir are equal in length but are separated by a short transept.
To the left of the main entrance lies the side aisle which was endowed by the Duke of Albany in 1409. It contains
To the left of the main entrance lies the side aisle which was endowed by the Duke of Albany in 1409. It contains
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Thistle Chapel
The "Chapel of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle" with its marvelous oak carving, heraldic emblems and the seals of the "Knights of the Thistle" was designed in 1911 by Sir
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| May 1 to September 30 | ||||||||
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 13:00 | |
| Closed | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | |
| October 1 to April 30 | ||||||||
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 13:00 | |
| Closed | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | |
| Always closed on: | ||||||||
| New Year's Day (January 1) Christmas - Christian (December 25) Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26) | ||||||||
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