Holyrood Palace

　　    Holyrood Palace (also known as the Palace of Holyroodhouse), also called the Palace of the Holy Cross, was formerly the Holyrood Abbey. It is located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, UK, and is one of the main official residences of the British monarch, as well as the Queen's official residence in Scotland. The palace was built in 1498 by James IV and later expanded by his successor, James V, who added a tower, resulting in its current appearance. The palace is particularly famous 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. The most notable attraction in the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the gallery of 11 portraits of Scottish kings throughout history, though they were not painted from the kings themselves but rather created in the 17th century by a Danish artist.

　　    The Palace of Holyroodhouse bears witness to a bloody chapter of royal history. The infamous Mary, Queen of Scots—known as the most beautiful woman of her time—once resided in the palace’s tower. Mary married into the French royal family at the age of 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 commemorative plaque still marks the spot.

　　    Holyrood Palace     Must-visit reason: One of the British monarch's main official residences     Continent: Europe【Europe】     Country/Region: Britain[Britain]     Province/State: Edinburgh [Edinburgh]     City: Edinburgh [Edinburgh]