| Edinburgh Town Guide |
| The Kirk of St Giles, located in Parliament Square on the Royal Mile, was medieval Edinburgh's most important church. |
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The original church of St Giles was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier chapel, and it has been continually modified ever since. The church underwent extensive restoration in the 19th century and unfortunately most of the original exterior can no longer be seen. The interior still contains some original features, but much of the inside of the church is also from the 19th century. Nevertheless the stone buttresses that support the spire are original and the gold weathercock on top of the spire date from the 16th century. Highlights of the interior include the organ, several monuments commemorating prominent Scottish figures, and some stunning stained glass windows including one that commemorates Scotland's most famous poet Robert Burns. |
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The Thistle Chapel, which serves The Most Ancient and Noble Order of Thistle (the Scottish equivalent of the Order of the Garter), is also well worth a visit for it is considered by some to be one of the finest pieces of architecture in Scotland. A distinction given by the monarch, there are only ever 16 Knights of the Thistle in Scotland and so it is considered the highest honour to become one. |
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One of the most significant periods in the Kirk of St Giles' history was the 16th century when John Knox was minister here. Knox was a central figure in the Scottish Reformation and so this church can be regarded as a major player in the origins of Scottish Presbyterianism. You may hear some people refer to St Giles as a Cathedral, however there have only been two bishops in the history of the church and these were both in the 17th century, and so technically it is a church. The Kirk of St Giles is open daily, but times vary according to day and time of year. Entry is free. |
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