| Edinburgh Town Guide |
| The Palace of Holyroodhouse is one of Edinburgh's main tourist attractions. It dates from 1498 when it was first built by James IV, and it has been closely associated with royalty ever since. |
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The Palace is located on the site of Holyrood Abbey, an Augustinian monastery that was founded in 1128 by King David I. The Palace is particularly associated with one of Scotland's most romantic figures - Mary Queen of Scots. Her favourite secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered in the palace in 1566, and her husband was killed nearby. Mary's son James VI used the palace in the early years of his reign, but then when he became King James I of England he spent most of his time in London. But his grandson Charles II soon re-established the Palace's links with royalty. Today the Palace of Holyroodhouse is still the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II when she is in Scotland, and she is usually in residence for a few weeks in May and July of each year. This makes the Palace one of the oldest royal residences still in use by the monarch today. When the Queen isn't in residence (and there are no state functions being held), parts of the palace are open to visitors with guided tours available. You can see several rooms in the State Apartments, most of which date from the 17th century. Particularly worth seeing are the Great Gallery and the Morning Drawing Room. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open daily from 9.30am to 5.15pm April to October and from 9.30am to 3.45pm November to March. Entrance costs around £5.50. The Palace is surrounded by Holyrood Park, where the distinctive landmark of Arthur's Seat is located. Also in the grounds are the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. And linking the Palace to Edinburgh Castle is the famous Royal Mile. |
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