Calton Hill

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Not only England introduces its guests to the magnificent attractions. Its neighbor Scotland has also quite a lot to show.

Edinburgh’s attractions are waiting for the travelers to tell them about their glorious historic past. Without a doubt, Calton Hill will linger in the memories of many tourists.

Calton Hill is one of the most majestic hills in Edinburgh, which spreads east from the New city. This observation deck offers a stunning view of the whole town! It’s hard to imagine a better place to admire the capital of Scotland.

Calton Hill: then and now

People come to the hill not only to admire the picturesque views but also to visit historic and cultural monuments, which had been erected here throughout many centuries. However, the hill did not always belong to Edinburgh. The city took possession of the hill only in 1859. The local land remembers bloody events. There used to be a prison and the execution yard here once. Sometime later, a building of the Scottish government appeared on the Hill -  St Andrew's House.

William Henry Playfair, the celebrated in the country architect worked on the creation of this place. He surrounded the hill with wide avenues on its three sides. Here you shall admire beautiful buildings which were once dwelt by famous artists, descendants of the French royals, and other renowned and wealthy citizens.

Playfair also projected and created the Scottish National Monument which is also located on the Calton Hill. It was intended to resemble Parthenon, the one in Athens. He was aimed to immortalize the memory to all the soldiers who had died during the wars with Napoleon. Unfortunately, the monument had not been finished due to the lack of funds. That’s why you can still see here the unfinished skeleton raising over the hill. However, the locals love it as it is and are not planning to change it.

Another interesting building on the hill is worth being mentioned - Edinburgh Castle which stands on the top of the extinct volcano.

Photos Calton Hill

Calton Hill on the map

Calton Hill - attractions nearby

Entrance tickets & Tours

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1 hour 30 minutes
Edinburgh Marathon Festival Running Tour
5 reviews
These running tours are guided tours around Scotland’s capital city. Delve into the history, the characters and the scenery as a highly qualified and experienced guide leads you on approximately 7 kilometers of jogging through the narrow streets and hidden areas that you might not get to see otherwise.More than just a walking tour of Edinburgh, this is a gentle jog through the city, and because of the pace we’re going, we can enjoy seeing a lot more than you would on a walking tour. These tours give you the perfect opportunity to see some unexpected sights mixed in with hearing about the cultural history of the beautiful capital of Scotland.Included in the price is a souvenir pack for you to remember your visit with; a technical running t-shirt, high quality printed poster of the city skyline, and a whole heap of extras.
from 34
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from 34
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2 hours
Edinburgh Private Mini Cooper Tour
1 review
Not every tourist has the time to spend on a full day tour and that's why we have the perfect solution of morning or afternoon private tour. Whilst we travel about Edinburgh town in a Mini Cooper, you will have the opportunity to see a whole host of sights and embark on special niche mini tours, designed perfectly for small numbers of visitors. Each morning or afternoon this tour provides you with an intimate experience of Edinburgh, so sit back, relax and enjoy the full private Edinburgh tour.
from 146
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from 146
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2 hours
Edinburgh Haunted History Walking Tour
100 reviews
See Edinburgh’s shady side. The gruesome and the glorious. The ghostly and the ghastly. This 2-hour tour is a wickedly entertaining walk on the wild and dark side of the Scottish capital. Explore the spots where murders, monsters and mayhem have become things of legend, and visit Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard, two of Edinburgh’s most chilling cemeteries. Throughout the tour, hear real-life tales of witches, body-snatchers, vampires, cannibals and more from your entertaining guide.
from 14
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from 14
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3 hours
Edinburgh City 3 hours Guided Tour
As the most enticing city in Europe, Edinburgh definitely needs to be experienced to the full. Make the most of your time with our incredible bespoke tour! Impressive from the Middle Ages to modern times. This is my Edinburgh.3-HOUR GUIDED TOUR – SIGHTS OF YOUR CHOOSINGAs our tours are personally tailored to your interests, you will leave with a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you've seen what you wanted, how you wanted. Enjoy, relax and just switch off. Get to know the country and its people, immerse yourself in nature and tradition. At TRIPorganiser we know where to find something special. Trust us with your with valuable travel time. Authenticity is our top priority.
from 139
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from 139
Free cancellation
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Hotels near Calton Hill

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