Tour Times: 12:30

Days: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Duration: 1 hr to 1 hr 30 mins

 

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St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles' is located on the historic Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and Hollyrood Palace. Despite its name, St Giles' Cathedral is not a cathedral. It was only strictly correct for two short periods when Bishops served in the church, from 1633-8 and from 1661-89. ‘St Giles ‘himself is the patron saint of cripples and lepers; whose feast day is celebrated on 1 September.

Great history can be told from this church one of which having a clergyman of the Protestant Reformation who is considered to be the founder of the Presbyterian denomination, John Knox.There stands to this day a statue of Knox at the entrance of the church and his body, is still lying in his resting place behind the church even though it is no longer a graveyard.Within the churches walls there is a feast for the eyes, you can see a magnificent organ, the thistle chapel, the resting place of Montrose and many more.At the heart of the cathedral is the sanctuary where the holy table and pulpit are surrounded by the four massive central pillars which support the tower and the crown steeple.

St Giles is run on a voluntary basis; it relies on generosity from the public. There is a gift Shop offering a large selection of souvenirs and gifts made in Scotland. All proceeds from the shop support the Cathedral; there is also a restaurant below the church. Volunteer guides are on duty to welcome visitors, answer questions and give tours on request.