Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace (also known as the Palace of Holyroodhouse), formerly Holyrood Abbey, is located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, UK. It is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch and serves as the Queen's official residence in Scotland. The palace was originally built by James IV in 1498, and later, when James V ascended the throne, he added a tower, giving the palace its current appearance. The site is especially renowned for being the home of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Like Buckingham Palace and other royal residences, the Royal Standard is flown at Holyrood Palace when the Queen is in residence. To the left of the palace lies the expansive Holyrood Park. The Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle are the two focal points around which Edinburgh was built, connected by the Royal Mile. One of the most notable sights in the palace is the gallery featuring eleven portraits of Scotland’s kings, though these were not painted from life but rather created in the 17th century by a Danish artist.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands as a witness to the bloody history of the monarchy. The infamous Mary, Queen of Scots — once regarded as the most beautiful woman of her time — resided in the castle tower. Mary married into the French royal family at age 15, returned to Scotland at 19 following her husband’s death, and ascended to the throne with popular support. She lost her throne during a rebellion and fled to England, where she was imprisoned for 19 years before being executed. Her secretary was stabbed 56 times in the tower and died; a plaque now marks the spot.

Holyrood Palace

Must-visit reason: One of the British monarch’s principal official residences

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Edinburgh [Edinburgh]

City where the attraction is located: Edinburgh [Edinburgh]