Outside the eastern end of St Giles Cathedral stands the Mercat Cross, a 19th-century copy of the 1365 original, where merchants and traders met to transact business, and royal proclamations were read. In a revival of this ancient tradition, the coronation of Elizabeth II was proclaimed here by costumed officials in 1952. When (and if) Prince Charles becomes king, his accession will also be proclaimed at the Mercat Cross.


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1. Real Mary King's Close

0.02 MILES

Edinburgh's 18th-century City Chambers were built over the sealed-off remains of Mary King's Close, and the lower levels of this medieval Old Town alley…

2. City Chambers

0.02 MILES

The imposing Georgian City Chambers, home to the City of Edinburgh Council, were originally built by John Adam (brother of Robert) between 1753 and 1761…

3. St Giles Cathedral

0.03 MILES

The great grey bulk of St Giles Cathedral dates largely from the 15th century, but much of it was restored in the 19th century. One of the most…

4. Heart of Midlothian

0.05 MILES

Outside the western door of St Giles Cathedral is a cobblestone heart set into the paving that marks the site of the 15th-century Tolbooth. The Tolbooth…

5. Parliament Hall

0.06 MILES

This magnificent 17th-century hall, with original oak hammer-beam roof, is where the old Scottish parliament met before its dissolution in 1707. Now used…

6. Tron Kirk

0.1 MILES

Built in 1637 and taking its name from the tron (public weighbridge) that once stood on the site, this church is famous for its magnificent oak hammer…

7. Edinburgh Dungeon

0.1 MILES

This manufactured attraction combines gruesome tableaux of torture and degradation with live actors who perform scary little sketches along the way. There…

8. City Art Centre

0.1 MILES

This art centre comprises six floors of exhibitions with a variety of themes, including an extensive collection of Scottish art. Fees apply for special…