Rosslyn Chapel

Overview

Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century collegiate chapel in the village of Roslin, about 11 km south of Edinburgh city centre. It is one of the most ornately decorated buildings in Scotland, famous for its extraordinarily dense and mysterious stone carvings.

Highlights

• The Apprentice Pillar: A spiralling column of astonishing intricacy, according to legend carved by a young apprentice while his master was away — who killed him in a jealous rage upon seeing the finished work.
• The Green Men: Over 100 carved "Green Man" faces peer out from the stonework, an unusually high concentration of this pagan motif in a Christian building.
• Da Vinci Code Connection: Dan Brown's novel sent visitor numbers soaring, drawing millions to explore the chapel's alleged connections to the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail.

History

Founded in 1446 by William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness, it was originally intended as a full cruciform church but only the choir was ever completed. The chapel fell into neglect after the Reformation but was gradually restored from the 19th century onward.

Visitor Tips

• Getting There: Take the Lothian Bus 37 from Edinburgh city centre — it takes about 40 minutes.
• Photography: Interior photography is not permitted, so take your time absorbing the carvings in person.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.