Top 8 Sacred & Religious Sites in Old Town, Scotland

November 13, 2021 Sheron Bogner

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

Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4BJ Scotland +44 131 229 7565 http://www.thechoir.co.uk/index.html
Excellent
42%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Church of St John the Evangelist

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

Magdalene Chapel 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JR Scotland +44 131 220 1450 http://www.scottishreformationsociety.org/the-magdalen-chapel
Excellent
53%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Magdalen Chapel

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

Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DX Scotland +44 131 556 5100 http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/holyrood-abbey/
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,212 reviews

Holyrood Abbey

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

5 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EP Scotland +44 131 229 1142 [email protected] http://www.st-cuthberts.net/
Excellent
42%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 109 reviews

St Cuthbert's Parish Church

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

Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4BJ Scotland +44 131 229 7565 [email protected] http://www.stjohns-edinburgh.org.uk/
Excellent
52%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

St John's Episcopal Church

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

St. Columbas Hall Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW Scotland +44 131 225 3505 http://stcolumbas.freechurch.org/
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

St Columbas Free Church

7. St. Margaret's Chapel

Castle Terrace, Edinburgh Scotland +44 131 225 9846 [email protected] http://www.stmargaretschapel.com
Excellent
43%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 157 reviews

St. Margaret's Chapel

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

7 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2BL Scotland +44 131 668 2019 [email protected] http://www.edinburgh-unitarians.org.uk/

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