Pictures of Calton Hill in Edinburgh

Calton Hill is one of the best vantage points in Edinburgh. Be it day or night, or even sunset, the view from up there is extraordinary.

If you walk all around the hill you have the most varied selection of views Leith (the Docks), Firth of Forth, Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags. You can admire Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Abbey at the foot of Arthur's Seat as well as the New Scottish Parliament. The best view is that looking along Princes Street towards Edinburgh Castle.

The position of Calton Hill allows one to see all of the Edinburgh Centre Looking from left to right: North Bridge, Old Town, Scottish Parliament, Ramsay Garden, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and further to the right St Andrew's Square. Calton Hill is also the best place for fireworks display in Edinburgh.

Situated on top of Calton Hill is Nelson's Monument and the Scottish National Monument dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Nelson's Monument commemorates the victory of Lord Nelson over the French and Spanish at the battle of Trafalgar. Why it was built in Scotland since Nelson was not Scottish I have no idea.

Calton Hill may not be as geologically impressive as Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags or the Castle Rock but it does stand out in Edinburgh's skyline through the number of monuments situated on top of it.

At sunset Nelson Monument St Andrew's Square Sunset

Picture of Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill at sunset. The monument, dedicated to the distinguished philosopher by the same name, was built under the form of a Grecian temple which now stands near the Observatory on Calton Hill.

The tower resembling an up-turned telescope is Nelson's Monument On the interior there is a circular stairway to the top where one can fully admire Princes Street. However, it does take some stamina to climb all stairs.

Picture of St Andrew's Square from Calton Hill at sunset. Located near George Street, St Andrew's Square takes its name from the Patron Saint of Scotland. In the middle of the square there's the 37 metre high Melville Monument (see picture on the left). The Viscount Melville was very influential in Scottish political affairs and was nicknamed "the Un-crowned King of Scotland".
Edinburgh Castle at dusk City Center Castle by day Old Town

Incredible sunset on Calton Hill The date of the picture is August 31st, the evening of the Fireworks Concert that is a grand finish to the Edinburgh Festival.

View of Edinburgh Castle at dusk. It is one of the loveliest views one can get in Edinburgh in the evening.

Day view from Calton Hill The picture is taken from the Observatory located on the hill.

Another day view of the City Center from Calton Hill. You can see the Balmoral Hotel, the Castle, Scott Monument and part of the Old Town.
Crags and Arthur's Seat Salisbury Crags National Monument City of Spires

St Giles cathedral, the High Kirk of Scotland, reigning the Old Town. Located on the Royal Mile, St Giles proves to be a very impressive architectural achievement. Many famous Scottish figures are linked to St Giles but perhaps the most famous of all is that of John Knox.

They call it the "City of Spires".

View to the left: Arthur's Seat secluded behind the Crags. They are both good vantage points for fireworks display, but unfortunately it is rather dangerous to get up there in the dark.

Salisbury Crags close up.
Princes Street Fireworks Concert

The National Monument was to become a Scottish equivalent of the Parthenon of Athens, but they ran out of money so the Monument was never finished. Some say that it's more charming than it would have been if it had been ever finished.

Clearer view of Princes Street The best view however is from the top of Nelson's Monument.

Fireworks display as seen from Calton Hill. The Fireworks Concert held on the 31st of August is a concert where the music is synchronized with the fireworks to offer the most amazing fireworks display.
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