Holyrood Palace (Edinburgh)
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Holyrood Palace – A historic and typically elegant royal residence
Built as a monastery in 1128, Holyrood Palace is The Queen's lavish official home when in Scotland. It has been at the forefront of turbulent Scottish royal history for several centuries, being the home of Mary Queen of Scots and as a refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century. It is one of the most popular attractions on short breaks in Edinburgh, and is open to the public year round when the royal family is not in residence. It has an elegant baroque design set in ornamental gardens, located along Edinburgh’s stately Royal Mile.
Holyrood Palace – Sumptuous state apartments and priceless works of art
Visitors can tour the Royal Apartments, including the suite of rooms once occupied famously by Mary, Queen of Scots in the north tower. They feature elaborately decorated ceilings, tapestries and lavish furnishings. The Great Gallery is a historic hall where portraits of all the kings and queens of Scotland hang. Further art can be viewed during cheap city breaks in Edinburgh in the purpose built Queen’s Gallery with yet more regal portraits and ever changing exhibitions of painting, sculpture and decorative art from the Royal Collection. History buffs will also find a fascinating exhibition on the Order of the Thistle, the highest honour that is bestowed on Scots for public service.
Holyrood Palace – Origins dating back over 900 years
You can also explore the ruins of the original abbey built in the 12th century. This is where many royal coronations took place and several members of Scottish royalty are buried here. Edinburgh weekend breaks can stroll through the extensive landscaped grounds which include elegant ponds and ornamental baroque fountains. This is where the famous Holyrood summer garden parties takes place, accommodating up to 8,000 people at a time.
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