Away from the crowded buildings, at the lower end of the Royal Mile, is Holyrood. The Augustinian abbey, built on the first available expanse of solid ground at the foot of the volcanic crag and tail, was founded in 1128 and rebuilt about 1220. The ruins of the nave are impressive examples of the bold, imaginative work of the period. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, which shouldered the abbey aside, comprises an early 16th-century wing, built by French and Scottish masons in the reign of James V (1513–42), and a 17th-century quadrangle court and facing wing. It is the British sovereign’s official residence in Scotland. Facing the palace along Holyrood Road is the site of the new Scottish Parliament complex, which opened officially in October 2004. South and east of the palace is Holyrood Park, which includes the Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat as well as three lochs.
Grassmarket-district-below-Edinburgh-CastleGrassmarket district below Edinburgh Castle.[Credits : Chad Ehlers—Stock Connection/Jupiterimages]
Edinburgh-CastleEdinburgh Castle.[Credits : Sandro Vannini/Corbis]
View-from-Calton-Hill-EdinburghView from Calton Hill, Edinburgh.[Credits : Doug Corrance—Taxi/Getty Images]
The-exterior-of-the-Palace-of-Holyroodhouse-Edinburgh-ScotThe exterior of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scot.[Credits : Francesca Yorke—Impact Photos/Heritage-Images]
Scott-Monument-in-Princes-Street-Gardens-EdinburghScott Monument in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.[Credits : age fotostock/SuperStock]
The-Philippe-Genty-Company-performs-Derives-at-the-annual-EdinburghThe Philippe Genty Company performs Dérives at the annual …[Credits : Robbie Jack/Corbis]
Edinburgh-Castle-in-ScotlandEdinburgh Castle in Scotland.[Credits : © Digital Vision/Getty Images]
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