Holyrood Palace

Overview

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, situated at the eastern end of the Royal Mile. It is an elegant 17th-century baroque palace with deep royal connections stretching back to the 16th century.

Highlights

• Mary Queen of Scots' Chambers: The intimate private apartments where Mary lived during her turbulent six-year reign, including the room where her secretary David Rizzio was brutally murdered in 1566.
• The Great Gallery: A long hall containing 96 portraits of Scottish monarchs, all painted by Jacob de Wet in a remarkable two-year commission from 1684 to 1686.
• The Abbey Ruins: The atmospheric, roofless remains of the 12th-century Augustinian abbey that gave the palace its name.

History

Founded as an Augustinian monastery in 1128 by King David I, it gradually transformed into a royal palace. James IV began major construction in 1501. The present palace was largely rebuilt by Charles II in the 1670s to designs by Sir William Bruce.

Visitor Tips

• Closed Periods: The palace closes when the King is in residence, typically one week in late June or early July.
• Audio Guide: The included audio guide is excellent and adds significant depth to the otherwise sparsely labelled rooms.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.