Rosslyn Chapel - Edinburgh

During your stay in Edinburgh we strongly recommend to dedicate at least half a day to the visit of the Rosslyn Chapel, situated about 12 Km south of the city.

You can reach the Chapel by bus (n.15) in about 25 minutes. A return ticket costs 2,40£, whereas a daily ticket costs 3£, and is valid on all lines. 

 

Upon arrival by bus

When you get off the bus in the small village of Rosslyn follow the signs, and after 200 m you will reach the gorgeous legendary Church.

Currently the church is undergoing conservation work, which will last over the next 4 years, so the church looks wrapped in scaffolding, and unfortunately also the inside view is spoilt by some scaffolds which hide the splendid roof decorated with stars and roses. However, a walking platform has been created for visitors, where it is possible to walk on and admire the church from an unusual perspective, a really unique experience!

The Church is wonderful, full of mysterious and Masonic engravings. Symbolisms appear everywhere in the incisions and columns, something which helped giving Rosslyn an aura of legend. According to the most fascinating of these legends, this was place where the Knights Templar stopped by on their way back from Jerusalem, bringing with them the Solomon’s Treasure or the Sacred Graal.

Founded in 1446 by the third Count of Orkney, Rosslyn boasts the same splendour as the great French gothic cathedrals, only in miniature size.

Particularly worthy of attention is the “Apprentice Pillar”. Legend has it that the column indicates or may be itself the hiding place of the Sacred Graal.  Guides are available on request to tell you the history of King Solomon and the Knights Templar, buried with their armouries in the crypt lying down under.

 

The Church has been chosen as the shooting place for numerous scenes of the Da Vinci Code, the film by Dan Brown,with Tom Hanks as protagonist.

How to reach: by bus n.15 from Edinburgh down town (bus rides every hour)
Tickets:: 7,5 £ for adults
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10 am -17 pm, Sunday from 12 – 16:45 pm