![The castle lit orange](/media/1113/the-castle-hero.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=500&height=300&rnd=131971345553370000)
The Castle
Learn more about the castle's history and secrets.
History of the castle
Edinburgh Castle is alive with exciting tales of its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.
History![Detail of the door of a prison cell in the Argyle Tower with a hand holding a bar](/media/1110/history-hero.jpg?center=0.53191489361702127,0.2264957264957265&mode=crop&width=500&height=300&rnd=131971301855900000)
The latest news from the castle
All blog posts![Costumed performer dressed as Mary Queen of Scots](/media/1114/characters-hero.jpg?center=0.43617021276595747,0.53418803418803418&mode=crop&width=500&height=300&rnd=131971353642800000)
The castle's characters
Discover the characters which make up Edinburgh Castle's history.
The characters![General view of Edinburgh Castle from Princes St](/media/1318/publications.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=500&height=300&rnd=132092162359670000)
Publications
Download or buy publications relating to Edinburgh Castle
Our souvenir guide can help you to get more out of your time at the castle – both on the day or before and after your visit. Full-colour and full of detail, it brings together all of the best stories about this iconic Scottish stronghold.