The Travel Page
6
A Weekend In Edinburgh
By Yohana Fernandez
For culture and beauty, Edinburgh has earned the nickname Athens of the North. The city is divided into two distinct areas: the Old Town with its streets and cobbled slopes was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, in contrast to the orderly New Town, built in the eighteenth century based on a neoclassical town planning . These two parts make up the whole of a magical city in many ways.
ROYAL MILE
In the old city is the Royal Mile, the main street linking the Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse . This distance (just over a mile ) is the best way to discover the depths of this city. We begin our journey from Edinburgh Castle , which is seated on a volcanic rock and is a symbol for Scotland, as are the kilts that are still produced a few meters away in an old factory, converted into a museum and shop. The production process is shown here, from the different colours and types of tartan depending on the clan to which it belongs, to the evolution of this garment has had throughout history.
Visit the new Scotch Whisky Experience for a great experience! you can take a bubbling barrel ride through a replica distillery as you become part of the whisky making process. If you like whisky this tour will be amazing.
http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
If we continue on our way, we will find all types of businesses , pubs, souvenir shops (some curious and dedicated exclusively to the Christmas decor and open all year) and small museums, where admission is free. Now in the final stretch of the Royal Mile , a modern building, which contrasts with the typical architecture of this part of Edinburgh, appears. This is the Scottish Parliament, designed by the Catalan architect Eric Millares, a building not without controversy because of its design and associated cost, which was ten times higher than what was budgeted originally. You should make a visit to form your own opinion before ending the tour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse , home of many monarchs throughout Scottish history and current summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II.
PRINCES STREET
On one side all the commercial zone extends while the other, lie the green gardens , perfect place to enjoy sunny days and centre of Christmas celebrations and other events at the foot of the Castle.
Other symbols of this famous street are the National Gallery, the Hotel Balmoral, whose clock is always five minutes in advance to be on time at the train station just below, or the Scott Monument Tower - tribute to Walter Scott, great figure of Scottish literature . Opened in 1844 and with a height of 60 meters, it is one of the tallest monuments dedicated to a writer. There is the possibility to climb to the summit up a total of 287 narrow steps.
The effort was well worth it because from the top a beautiful view of the city is seen, as also achieved from Calton Hill, very close to Princes Street hill and part of the characteristic landscape of Edinburgh. In this settlement there are several buildings that visitors can discover while enjoying magnificent views.
KIC + Magazine / December 2013
Scotland's capital is a city of contrasts and very cosmopolitan. The streets quickly catch the visitor’s attention through hundreds of legends and a culture that vibrates in every corner. This magical city has centuries of history, beautiful architecture, a lot of culture and art, amazing nightlife. There the wonderful landscapes combine old and modern buildings.
In my opinion Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe, if you are in Manchester and you are thinking of travelling, you must visit it. This is a perfect city for browsing, sitting back, or just doing nothing but patting yourself on the back for finding this little place.