Founded in the 12th century, St Giles’ Cathedral can be considered one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings. In its early days, St Giles’ was just a small stone kirk, which stood roughly on the site of the present-day nave. This church was burned down by an attacking English army in the 14th century and subsequently rebuilt in spectacular fashion, owing the building its current look with distinct crown steeple. Although most of the church dates from later centuries, there are elements contained deep within which are considerably ancient. St Giles’ original 12th century doorway survived until just 200 years ago. Despite not having been a seat of bishops since 1638, St Giles’, similar to Glasgow Cathedral, has retained its title as a cathedral.placeholder image
Founded in the 12th century, St Giles’ Cathedral can be considered one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings. In its early days, St Giles’ was just a small stone kirk, which stood roughly on the site of the present-day nave. This church was burned down by an attacking English army in the 14th century and subsequently rebuilt in spectacular fashion, owing the building its current look with distinct crown steeple. Although most of the church dates from later centuries, there are elements contained deep within which are considerably ancient. St Giles’ original 12th century doorway survived until just 200 years ago. Despite not having been a seat of bishops since 1638, St Giles’, similar to Glasgow Cathedral, has retained its title as a cathedral.

Oldest Buildings in Edinburgh: 9 of the capital’s most ancient buildings and their history

Thomas Mackay
By Thomas Mackay

Search and Trends Writer

Published 2nd Mar 2023, 15:24 BST
Updated 22nd Sep 2023, 13:37 BST

Scotland’s capital city impresses tourists from all over the world with its higher than average concentration of ancient buildings that carry heaps of intriguing history.

If you’re visiting Scotland for the first time and hoping to breathe in the incredible heritage and culture then a stroll through Auld Reekie (Edinburgh in the Scots language) is essential. In comparison to many other European capitals, Edinburgh has a high concentration of ancient architecture and some of these old buildings were constructed well over five centuries ago.

The country boasts fascinating languages, award-winning outdoor scenery,castles and other famous products like whisky, but now let’s turn our attention to nine of the Scottish capital’s oldest buildings for all you lovers of history and architecture.

One of Edinburgh’s most photographed old buildings is the Canongate Tolbooth. It was built in 1591 at a time when the Canongate burgh was still separate from Edinburgh, and served as the district tolbooth, comprising a courthouse, jail and public meeting place. The Tolbooth has undergone a number of alterations over the centuries, the most notable being City Architect Robert Morham’s remodelling in 1875, which added its distinctive clock. The building now houses The People’s Story Museum and boasts a Category A listing.

9. Canongate Tolbooth

One of Edinburgh’s most photographed old buildings is the Canongate Tolbooth. It was built in 1591 at a time when the Canongate burgh was still separate from Edinburgh, and served as the district tolbooth, comprising a courthouse, jail and public meeting place. The Tolbooth has undergone a number of alterations over the centuries, the most notable being City Architect Robert Morham’s remodelling in 1875, which added its distinctive clock. The building now houses The People’s Story Museum and boasts a Category A listing. Photo: via WikiCommons

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