Location: Old Town
Top Things to do in Old Town
Top 8 Sacred & Religious Sites in Old Town, Scotland
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Church of St John the Evangelist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By jeanniedDover_Kent - Barfrestone, United Kingdom
This beautiful old church is situated on the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road. The stained glass windows are breathtaking in their beauty. They are as awe inspiring as they are beautiful - they are the best ones I have ever seen. As you enter the main building and look up the ceiling is something not to be missed. Although the main body of the church covers a large area there is a small chapel available for private prayer. In fact there is a lovely feeling of peace throughout the building - it is just over 100 years old and yet seems timeless. Downstairs there is a little cafeteria - I was there at lunchtime and was very surprised that it wasn't busier especially as it opens on to a peaceful little garden just by the road and is open to the public. The menu was quite adequate for the snack I needed and the coffee was good - it was reasonably priced too! If you like visiting churches and have a few hours to kill in the west end of Edinburgh this would be a good place to while away the time.
2. Magdalen Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
I spotted this chapel as I walked down Cowgate towards the Grassmarket. I am really glad that I noticed it and it was open to visitors. The Magdalen Chapel is a 16th century chapel located almost beneath the George IV bridge in the Cowgate in the Old Town of Edinburgh. The chapel was built between 1541 and 1544. It was bequeathed by Michael MacQueen and also his wife Janet Rynd who is buried within. A semi-circular wooden platform was installed at the east end around 1615 and the layout of the Chapel was altered. The tower and spire were added about 1620. The stained glass in the middle window of the south wall features the Royal Arms of Scotland and the Arms of Mary of Guise. It is the only intact pre-Reformation stained glass window in Scotland. The Victorian façade obscures the ancient stonework. An inscription over the door reads 'He that hath pity upon the poore lendeth unto the Lord and the Lord will recompence him that which he hath given''. Architects Simpson and Brown undertook a major restoration programme in 1992/93. It is now the headquarters of the Scottish Reformation Society. A small but really interesting chapel worth seeing.
3. Holyrood Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,212 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Founded by King David 1 in 1128, this Abbey came first, and begat the stunning palace that followed. We visited as part of the palace tour and, taking all parts of the site as a whole, it’s probably the best visit in Edinburgh. Situated in beautiful Holyrood Park, the Abbey and Palace are full of history and interest, and the interactive audio guide provides top class commentary.
4. St Cuthbert's Parish Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
St Cuthbert's is a Church of Scotland Presbyterian Church. Believed to be the oldest Christian site in Edinburgh, and originally founded by St Cuthbert around 1100 years ago. The current spire is dated 1775, and is all that remains of the previous building. The current building was completed in 1894. Regular Sunday services are : 9:30am Holy Communion. 11am Morning Worship and 6pm Evening Worship, include the ministry of prayer for healing. Full service details and what's taking place in the church, can be found on the website. Find us on the corner of Lothian Road and Kings' Stables Road in Edinburgh, Scotland. St Cuthbert's core vision is to : Live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as God's people, at the heart of our city. Nurture hearts for God. Offer a home to friend and stranger. Provide a hub to equip the people of God for the mission of God.
Reviewed By SeaWorshipper - Denver, United States
Unfortunately, the Church was closed because we arrived at night. We wandered around the outside grounds and took some magnificent photos of the outside. You can see the Edinburgh Castle up high through the trees. Mom & I ran into a tour group that was just entering the Cemetery. The young man who was leading the group said we were brave to go by ourselves through the "kirkyard" and asked if we were visited by any spirits. I am sure it would have been great to tag along to hear his tales from long ago. It is absolutely beautiful, especially with a full moon. When I go back, I will make sure I see the inside too. I would recommend a hour to three if you are going to check out the cemetery as well.
5. St John's Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By ian_dempster - Wigan, United Kingdom
As an avid Church visitor this is a most strikingly beautiful church inside. The decor is stunning with magnificent ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows. A very serene church.
6. St Columbas Free Church
7. St. Margaret's Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 157 reviews
This stately chapel is the only original building left in the Edinburgh Castle complex.
Reviewed By melindahemphill - Sharpsburg, United States
August 2013 with our family of seven. A beautiful small chapel on the grounds of the Edinburgh Castle, built in the 12th century and the oldest building in Edinburgh.
8. St Mark's Unitarian Church
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