| Edinburgh Town Guide |
| Parliament Square, which marks the junction between the Lawnmarket and High Street sections of the Royal Mile, is definitely one of Edinburgh's main focal points. It contains several of the city's landmark buildings and is used by many inhabitants and tourists alike as a meeting place. |
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The elegant feel of the square can primarily be attributed to the Law Courts which date from the 18th century and which reflect the elegant neo-classical designs of the New Town. |
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In the centre of the square is a life-sized statue of King Charles II and next to it is the famous Heart of Midlothian (above). This is a heart shaped pattern set in the cobblers of the pavement and it marks the very centre of the district of Midlothian - people sometimes spit on for luck. |
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The square also contains the Mercat Cross, which has been the focus of many a celebration and where State proclamations are still made. More gruesomely it also used to be where public executions took place. The original Mercat Cross had disappeared by the end of the 18th century and so what you see today is a 19th century replica. Opposite the Mercat Cross is the City Chambers building which houses the town council. However the square is dominated by its two main landmark buildings - Parliament House and the High Kirk of St Giles. |
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