Rosslyn Chapel
Just a 7-mile drive south of Edinburgh, lies Rosslyn Chapel. A magnificent 15th century church located in the peaceful village of Roslin. If you’re staying with us at Parliament House Hotel, you can get there by bus from Princes Street. A great place to visit for those interested in history and architecture. Made famous by the Da Vinci Code book and film, it is also a place surrounded in legend and mystery.
https://youtu.be/ub_yGhfhsEw
History of Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel takes its name from a former spelling of the village Roslin, where it is located. Roslin is an ancient village, founded by the Picts in the 1st century, according to legend. The chapel dates from 1446, founded by Sir William St Clair, 1st Earl of Caithness. When William died in 1484, he was buried in the chapel, and all building work ceased. Roslin was the seat of the St Clairs (Clan Sinclair) at this time and ownership of the chapel passed down the generations. Indeed, the family still own the chapel to this day.
The chapel has had a long and turbulent history. As a catholic place of worship, it fell into disuse during the reformation of the 1500s. Oliver Cromwell and his troops attacked it in 1650. In the 19th century, it was restored and reopened, and there have been several repairs and restorations ever since. It became a popular place to visit and notable admirers over the years have included Robert Burns, William Wordsworth and Queen Victoria.
“Having seen a TV programme about it we just had to visit the chapel. There is something magical about this place, the architecture, the carvings and the stories make it a great place to visit …”
– Rosslyn Chapel Tripadvisor Review
Mystery and legend
In 2003, Dan Brown published his book, The Da Vinci Code. The novel is a murder mystery, which takes the main characters to a crypt beneath Rosslyn Chapel as the story unravels. Exploring legends around the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail, it ignited a new interest in the chapel. Although the novel is fictional, the St Clair family did have ties with the Knights Templar. Templar symbols have also been identified within the chapel.
And whether or not there is any truth about Rosslyn’s connection with the Knights Templar, it is still a fascinating place to visit. The intricate stonework and impressive architecture make it a truly remarkable building, with a rich history and plenty of myths and legends. And set in a tranquil location on the banks of the River Esk, the surrounding area is also wonderful to explore. Find details on admission prices, how to get there and more, on the Rosslyn Chapel website.
