Rosslyn Chapel, prominently featured in The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and the movie that includes Tom Hanks, might have garnered additional fame from the recognition of the e-book and movie, however I firmly consider Rosslyn Chapel has earned its fame in its personal proper. Constructed within the fifteenth century and added to over the centuries, Rosslyn Chapel is among the greatest examples (if not the greatest instance) of gothic structure in the UK. I visited Rosslyn Chapel on a cold winter’s day, and I used to be shocked by the intricate masonry, rural setting, and dramatic symbolism of the tales carved into stone. How this chapel survived a non secular reformation and the dreich Scottish climate is astonishing. It’s certainly a marvel and a thriller packaged in a single.
”A thriller via historical past.” This was how our information described the ornate Rosslyn Chapel as we sat within the pews, Alex bouncing on my lap. A lot of Rosslyn’s Chapel historical past is unknown and one can solely guess on the symbolism embedded within the partitions and pillars.
It was Alex’s first Scotland journey with us, and I may consider no higher place to take him than Rosslyn Chapel. His eyes widened in curiosity as he scanned the room, first the starry ceiling, then the curved pillars, and onto the brilliant stained-glass home windows.
”I’ve by no means seen a child so younger take such an curiosity in his environment!” the information remarked. Rosslyn Chapel is authorized by a three-month-old. This comes as no shock, as a number of the world’s most distinguished writers and artists have been impressed by Rosslyn Chapel, together with Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and William Wordsworth.
What makes it all of the extra attention-grabbing are the theories, myths and legends related to the chapel. On this information, I’m sharing essentially the most attention-grabbing tales of the chapel and ideas for planning the proper day journey.
A Transient Historical past of Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel gained a lot fame after showing within the Dan Brown novel The Da Vinci Code however Rosslyn Chapel has earned its fame in its personal proper. It’s simply one of the crucial intricate examples of structure in Scotland, if not your complete United Kingdom.
Rosslyn Chapel was based in 1446 by Sir William St Clair, who got here from a line of grasp masons. It took 40 years to construct, and virtually each floor contained in the chapel boasts carved stonework depicting nature or tales from the Bible.
The chapel is positioned in Roslin, lower than 8 miles from the centre of Edinburgh. It was previously often called the Collegiate Church of St Matthew.
Sadly, Sir William handed away earlier than the chapel was full. His son carried on the work however didn’t full his father’s authentic design.
Rosslyn Chapel surprisingly survived the Scottish Reformation, nonetheless afterwards, the Chapel fell into disrepair.
and, in 1650, Cromwell’s troops attacked Rosslyn Fort and stabled their horses contained in the Chapel.
Within the mid-1800s the chapel was repaired and resumed its weekly providers.
Extra just lately, a significant conservation venture has been undertaken by the Rosslyn Chapel Belief after reviews confirmed harm within the chapel because of excessive humidity.
Suggestions For Visiting Rosslyn Chapel
- Be sure to pre-book your tickets for visiting Rosslyn Chapel. Particulars on how to do that could be discovered under.
- You can not take pictures or movies inside, however you’ll be able to take photos of the skin of the chapel (please observe any pictures on this article have been taken with permission or inventory imagery has been used).
- The reward store has some fantastic merchandise, together with books, artwork, pottery, stationery and extra. If you happen to like beer, Rosslyn Chapel even has their very own micro-brewery! You should buy bottles of their beer from the reward store.
- There’s a small cafe positioned contained in the reward store. If you happen to have been on the lookout for a extra substantial meal, there are additionally pubs and eating places within the village of Roslin. My suggestions embody The Authentic Rosslyn Inn, Dolly’s Tea Room, or The Steading positioned close to Hillend.
Value
Pricing for 2023:
- Grownup (18-60) – £9.50
- Concession (60+, scholar, unemployed, Armed Forces) – £7.50
- Kids (0-17) – Free
- Passholders – Free
Opening Instances
You could e-book a time to go to Rosslyn Chapel, and there are 5 timeslots you’ll be able to e-book between Monday to Saturday, and three visiting timeslots on Sunday. You may pre-purchase your tickets on the Rosslyn Chapel web site.
Monday to Saturday
- 9.00 am to 10.30 am (Information speak inside chapel at round 9.30 am)
- 10.30 am to 12 midday (Information speak inside chapel at round 11 am)
- 12.15 pm to 1.45 pm (Information speak inside chapel at round 12.45 pm)
- 2.00 pm to three.30 pm (Information speak inside chapel at round 2.30 pm)
- 3.30pm to 5pm (Information speak inside chapel at round 4 pm)
Sunday
- 12 midday to 1.30 pm (Information speak inside chapel at round 12.30 pm)
- 1.45 pm to three.15 pm (Information speak inside chapel at round 2 pm)
- 3.30 pm to 5pm (Information speak inside chapel at round 4 pm)
How To Get To Rosslyn Chapel
The simplest solution to attain Rosslyn Chapel is by automobile.
Positioned simply half-hour by automobile from Edinburgh, the map under reveals you essentially the most direct route from town centre:
It’s also possible to get to Rosslyn Chapel by bus- Lothian service 37.
It’s also possible to go to Rosslyn Chapel on a tour. Rabbies have this full-day tour that features a go to to Rosslyn Chapel and the Scottish Borders. Rabbies is a tour firm I extremely advocate for group excursions in Scotland- they provide inexpensive, comfy excursions, and their guides are glorious!
Desire a non-public tour? Craig, my husband, additionally provides personal driving excursions and may take you to go to Rosslyn Chapel. Go to Kiwi and Haggis Excursions for extra info.
Are you planning on visiting Rosslyn Chapel?
