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Whenever I think about Edinburgh, the Royal Mile has always been this magnetic stretch of history and charm. Those colourful store fronts surely add to the chic vibe of the stretch, but right in the middle of it stands the stunning St Giles’ Cathedral – a place that managed to sweep me off my feet the moment I saw it bathed in afternoon sunlight.
On a bright day when I visited, the cathedral just came alive. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through my visit to St Giles Cathedral, the fabulous art and architecture inside, and some tidbits about its rich history.
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to be so captivated. I mean, I’ve seen many historic churches in my travel adventures — from St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh to grand cathedrals across Europe. But St Giles has that something extra.
And trust me, the Royal Mile is the perfect setting to catch it. But you probably wonder, what exactly makes this cathedral stand out? Let’s dive in.
How To Reach St. Giles’ Cathedral
First, a quick geography note — St Giles’ Cathedral sits snugly on the Royal Mile, just opposite Parliament Square. If you’re walking from Edinburgh Castle heading towards Holyrood Palace, you simply can’t miss it. The Royal Mile itself is a bustling street filled with shops, street performers, and plenty of history on every cobblestone. It’s one of those walks that keeps surprising you.
On the day I visited, the street was buzzing with tourists and locals alike. Street vendors shouting out, the wind carrying the distant sounds of bagpipes. And there it was: the cathedral’s medieval silhouette rising proudly amidst the cityscape.
The entry to the Cathedral is free, and it’s open from 9 AM to 6 PM. There is also regular service at the cathedral that you can participate in. You can find more info on St Giles’s official website.
The History Behind St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral — also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh — has been the religious heart of the city since the 14th century. A bit of background for you history buffs: it’s named after St Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh, and has witnessed significant moments in Scotland’s religious and political life. For example, it played a part in the Scottish Reformation — a chapter that shaped modern Scotland’s identity.
The cathedral has been rebuilt and restored several times, giving it a mix of Gothic and Norman architectural styles. You can still see parts of the original 12th-century structure if you know where to look. What blew me away was that after centuries, the church not only remained a place of worship but also a repository of Scotland’s rich, layered past.
Things to Look Out For at St Giles’ Cathedral
The Breathtaking Stained Glass Windows
When I stepped inside, the first thing that caught my eye was these exquisite stained glass paintings. You know how sunlight can magically transform ordinary glass into a kaleidoscope of colours? That’s exactly what happened with the biblical stories depicted all over the windows. Each panel was like a vivid storytelling canvas — scenes from the Bible unfolding in jewel-toned detail.
With the sun streaming through, the whole place felt alive, almost like those stories were whispering to you, not just frozen in time. Honestly, I could have sat there all afternoon just soaking it in. The craftsmanship was stunning; the way light and glass danced around was hands down one of the highlights of the visit.
The Mighty Organ: A Giant Among Giants
Now, I have to confess— ever since I saw the organ at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, I have been fascinated to see and learn about them. And the one that I saw here at St Giles was just… colossal.
To put it in perspective, this organ has over 4,000 pipes, some stretching as long as a tall building, and it’s been expanded and restored over centuries. It weighs several tons and fills the cathedral with sound that’s both thunderous and beautiful. I even chatted briefly with one of the guides there, who shared a cool tidbit: playing it requires an entire team during big ceremonies. Next time, I’m definitely catching a service or a concert just to hear this beast in action.
Thistle Chapel: A Hidden Gem
Tucked away inside the cathedral is the Thistle Chapel — a real showstopper. This chapel is home to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s highest chivalric order. Created in the early 20th century, the chapel’s architecture is jaw-droppingly detailed.
The wooden carvings here are something else. From tiny animals peeking out of the pew ends to intricate floral patterns reflecting Scotland’s natural beauty, the craftsmanship made me pause more than once. The chapel combines solemnity with elegance and a bit of whimsy. It’s one of those spots that rewards a slow walk and careful observation.
Architecture That Leaves You Speechless
Speaking of architecture, the whole cathedral is just a masterpiece. The tall vaulted ceilings, the pointed arches, and all those intricate stone carvings… It’s like every inch was made to inspire awe. You can tell the masons who worked here poured their souls into every detail — some carvings even show funny faces or mythical creatures.
We (I was with a friend on this trip) found a quiet pew and just sat down for a bit to soak in the atmosphere. In that moment, the hustle of the Royal Mile outside seemed miles away — all you could hear was a soft echo and the faintest rustle of pages turning.
A Few Final Thoughts on St Giles’ Cathedral
Visiting St Giles Cathedral felt like stepping into a living history book. It is more than just a church; it’s a place where stories — religious, royal, and local — come alive through light, sound, and stone. If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, you absolutely need to carve out time for it.
Also, if you’re into exploring Edinburgh’s historic sites, you might want to check out my recent posts on Edinburgh Castle and the serene Dean Village by Water of Leith. And since we mentioned the organ at St Giles, get a feel for the grandeur by reading about my visit to St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it — a peek inside one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. I’m still marvelling at how a blend of art, architecture, and history can make a place feel so alive. The next time you’re in Edinburgh, don’t rush past this gem — trust me on this one, St Giles Cathedral deserves your time.
If you’ve got any queries or suggestions, drop them in the comments below. You can also tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj or DM @Atulmaharaj on Instagram, or Get In Touch.
