Edinburgh castle is a fortress which is located on top of Castle hill in the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. This is the main tourist attraction of the city, the castle attracts more than a million people.

Archaeological finds indicate that people lived on this hill already in the IX century BC, but it is possible that there was more early settlements. 600 g. n.e. and later brythonic epics mention the existence of a fortress in these places – probably talking about the fortress on the Castle hill. The mention of the castle date back to the XI-XII centuries, when king Malcolm III, the castle became a Royal residence. Here died of grief his wife Margaret of Scotland, which was then recognized as Holy. In her memory her son, king David I builds a chapel. St. Margaret's chapel – the oldest building in Edinburgh castle. David I moves the capital of the Scottish Kingdom from Dunfermline to Edinburgh. In 1139-1150 g.g. in the castle of Edinburgh held a meeting of Scottish nobles and higher clergy, who can be called the first meetings of the Scottish Parliament. Buildings of this time were made of wood, and to have preserved only one building of the XII century, is St. Margaret's chapel.

For many centuries Scotland was at war with England, defending its independence. Many times the castle of Edinburgh was besieged, stormed, or with the help of traitors, destroyed and again rebuilt and strengthened. At the end of the XV century built Palace of Holyroodhouse, which became a Royal residence, the castle plays the role of a military fortification and prison. In 1660 the king of England and Scotland, Charles II gave the order on placement in the castle of the regular army, and until 1923 the castle always is a military garrison. In 1905 the castle was removed from the Ministry of defence, although part of the castle and chapel of St. Margaret were opened to the public in mid-nineteenth century. Since then, the interest in the castle is only growing with each year it attracts more and more tourists, and it is not surprising. The castle looks like the illustration to the fairy tales and adventure novels. The castle is the Royal Mile street, the Central street of the Old town, connecting the castle and Holyrood Palace.

Located on the high hill, the castle dominates the city and surroundings. Three sides of the cliff, and the only hike to the castle is on the East side. The inner space is divided into three "yard", which are interconnected gates. On Average, the yard Well the tower protects the source of drinking water – the most important value for fortress located on top of a cliff. Here is the War Museum of Scotland. On the Upper courtyard, is St. Margaret's chapel and the famous cannon Mons Meg.

In the castle of Edinburgh is stored the Scottish crown and the stone of Scone, the legendary rock that crowned the kings of Scotland. In 1296 the stone was exported to England and mounted in the base of the throne on which were crowned kings of England, and later Britain, right up to Elizabeth II. By her order in 1996 the stone was returned to Edinburgh castle, and thousands of people lined the Royal Mile, welcoming his return.