Before you read this review you should know a couple of things. I'm not a church going man. Quite…read morethe opposite. Not that I have a problem with religion, but it's just not for me. So I'm not reviewing this as a place to worship, but as a music venue. During the Fringe Pilrig St. Paul's put gigs on in the intimate 100 seater venue in the church hall, which they call 'Pilrig Studio'. And what a place to watch music. If you've ever been to the Oran Mor in Glasgow you'll know what I'm talking about. Music takes on an ethereal, other-worldly quality in a place like this. They also put various plays on. This year sees the return of the brilliant American High School Theatre Festival, among others. Well worth a visit, even if it's just to take in the surroundings.

Another must-visit location in Old Town Edinburgh - we stopped by after visiting the Castle and had…read morea magical experience. While walking along the aisles and pews and enjoying the stained glass windows, exceptional masonry, gothic architecture and the magnificent vaulted Scottish blue ceiling, the most haunting melodies floated towards us from the far end of the cathedral. It was a choir of young ladies, singing the most beautiful songs. We stayed rooted to where we were, then started making our way towards them. The singing went on for several minutes, and we quietly listened, adding another special memory to our family's trip to Scotland.

St. Giles' Cathedral, also known as Edinburgh's High Kirk or Church, is one of the most remarkable…read morelandmarks in the Royal Mile, a jaw-dropping Gothic temple of great historical importance and, of course, a must-visit if you're in town. You can't really miss St. Giles Cathedral when you are walking on Royal mike, its looming presence in the Old Town of Edinburgh means its visible from all over the city. St Giles' Cathedral is the largest of Edinburgh's Old Town churches, and sits right on the Royal Mile at the heart of the medieval city. One of Scotland's most important medieval buildings the current structure was begun in the 14th century and has been a centre of Scottish historical events ever since. St. Giles' cathedral was always a hub for urban life, both as a place of worship in Edinburgh and as a cultural symbol for Scotland. The church also has a large stained glass window commemorating Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, above the main entrance on the west side of the building The Cathedral is free to enter with donations welcome

What do you look for in a church? Life? Youth? Great music and worship? Relevant preaching?…read moreWelcoming atmosphere? If you answer is yes then you have found all these things right here. A body of people who are seeking to live out their faith in an authentic and real way with joy. Over thirty nations are represented their so you are in store for a cultural experience too. Both morning and evening meetings have coffee and biscuits with the evening offering tea cakes as well :) Did I enjoy it? Well the fact you will find me there every week probably says it all. Hope to see you soon.

we started our day to explore Edinburgh city and this was our first stop. we stayed at 'Britannia…read moreHotel Edinburgh' and it was on the way to tram station. St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral sits at the west end of Palmerston Place, a wide attractive Edinburgh New Town thoroughfare named after Viscount Palmerston, a former prime minister, and University of Edinburgh graduate who died in 1865. Building has three tall spires which reach up over the city skyline, meaning that the cathedral can be seen from a variety of viewpoints and outlooks in the city. But the building itself is often overlooked by visitors, perhaps because it's a little further from the traditional tourism area of the Old Town. The central spire of Scott's church is 90m tall, making it the tallest structure in Edinburgh city centre, and the two shorter spires added to the western end of the building later became known locally as Barbara and Mary, after the Walker sisters themselves.

We chanced upon this magnificent cathedral while walking around Edinburgh. It is stunning both on…read morethe inside and outside. Check out the pictures.

I go to St Mary's Catholic Church every weekend for mass and I enjoy it a lot. Though I wouldn't…read morenecessarily consider it a cathedral, this church is big and beautiful. Mass occurs a couple times on Sunday's...I usually go at 9 am to get it done so I can enjoy the rest of my Sundays but other masses done in English happens at 12 and 730pm. I believe the 1.30 pm is the polish mass. If you prefer going on Saturdays, I believe they offer the 5.30 mass... Just check the website for the correct times. They offer other special masses and it gets crowded during important days like Easter, Christmas, ash Wednesday's, etc. This week I went to their advent mass to check out the candlelight mass...was pretty cool cause they turned off all the lights and just had candles everywhere. They also offer free concerts and if you just want to sit and listen to a really great choir, check out the 12 pm mass... A bit longer than the others though and they sing in Latin. The priests and volunteers are all nice and welcoming. They always welcome everyone whether you're Catholic or not, and the church is accessible even without mass. So if you just want to sit in a quiet place and enjoy a beautiful building, this is an awesome place to go.

It's the church & cemetery along Canongate as you're heading up the Royal Mile from the Palace of…read moreHolyroodhouse. You'll spot it right away when you see the statue of the young Scottish poet, Robert Fergusson. The statue is popular. You'll see people taking pictures with it as they are posed walking along side of it. The cemetery has some very notable historical figures buried there (including the poet). It's where you will find the grave of Adam Smith. He's the guy you learned about when studying economics. He's cited with founding free-market competition, and capitalism. He was also a philosopher. You'll see him again later in the form of a statue when walking up to St. Giles Cathedral. There's also an area where the murdered David Rizzio is supposedly buried. He was the secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots who was rumored to be her lover. So much drama! I'm guessing that's why it's one of the ghost tour stops even though it's the palace that is said to be haunted by his ghost since he was originally buried there. Hey, it was a gruesome murder! It's just one of many things to see along the Royal Mile. Oh, and don't forget to stop at Dunbar's Close Garden which is right next door to it.

Canongate church is something different with the lovely pale blue woodwork giving the church a…read moremodern and fresh look. This church is special also for being a favourite of the royal family, where lady Zara and Mike Tindall married and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have visited numerous times, there are even specific royal pews adorned with a crown sceptre and a lovely stained glass window dedicated to the royal Scot's regiment. The kirkyard is great too where you will find the likes of Adam smith, Poet Robert Fergusson, Mrs Agnes Maclehose also known as Robert burns 'Clarinda' and a memorial to Mary Queen of Scot's secretary David Rizzio who was brutally murdered. So all in all this is a great place to visit when on the Canongate!

Such a beautiful church! Came in for their 7:30pm Sunday…read moremass. Welcoming parish community. Located further away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy area.

st mary's rc cathedral in edinburgh is of gothic design and located on the roundabout at the leith…read morewalk / york place junction (continuation of queen street) - the building dates from 1814 - in 1969 when pope paul VI ordained the first scottish cardinal in rome since the reformation - cardinal gray brought back with him a relic of st andrew which is now incorporated into an altar - in 1982 john paul II said prayers at the shrine of st andrew and addressed the clergy during his pastoral visit to scotland - in 2007 a new cathedral organ was installed and there is a large cathedral choir

I ventured in here during the Fringe to see the Showhawk Duo - an incredible couple of guys who…read moremake acoustic guitars sound nothing like you've ever heard before, well worth checking out if you get a chance. That, though is beside the point. This venue is INCREDIBLE. The sound was immaculate, the staff cheery and helpful, even near the end of a really busy Fringe day, and the actual venue... wow. Stunning isn't the word. I went in about 8.30, just with the sun going down and lighting up the beautiful stained glass windows - I can't recall a gig venue like it that I've been too. The fact that it was packed out with people in a great mood, and free to boot is another bonus. Highly recommended!

A historical church building, built in 1636, which is now only open through the summer. The entry…read moreis free and it is a great historical learning experience. You can see the excavated old town (Marlins Wynd) under your feet, read the history of edinburgh and some of the gory stories from the past. Learn about the shady characters that graced our streets and find lots of information on touristy things to do in Edinburgh. The stained glass windows look spectacular on a bright day.

As part of a walking adventure on the morning of Friday 19 July 2019, I stopped by St John's…read moreEpiscopal Church on Lothian Road and Princes Street in Edinburgh to check out what I could. It was my last full day on my July 2019 Scotland heritage travel trip and I had gotten used to seeing big beautiful churches on my explorations that had at least part of their grounds open to the public. I tried the main door and found the main hall and chapel to be open to the public, however a service was in progress in the chapel so a sign was at the entrance asking visitors to enter quietly. The interior of the church was warm in tones and well lit. The wood work was beautifully executed. Outside the main building was a large cemetery area.

There are many beautiful churches in Edinburgh but this is a personal favourite of mine. The…read moreinterior is stunning and is decorated in a particularly elegant way. With white walls, an incredible ceiling and some of the best stained glass windows in the country, this church is a must see. Right at the west end of Princes Street many people walk by never knowing the beauty inside. Pop in and be one of the few to enjoy this quite and peaceful space. If you've got some extra time make sure you go a walk around the grounds too. They look particularly nice in Spring when the Bluebells and Cherry trees are in flower. Don / www.edinburghphotowalks.com