Contents:
- Residences and military castles
- Mystical and religious buildings
- National Parks and Reserves
Scotland - an autonomous territory of the UK, located in the north of the British Isles. In the past, this region was an independent kingdom with a rich tradition and history.
Currently Scotland attractions are visited by tourists from different countries, as there remains a lot of medieval castles and picturesque nature wins the hearts of romantics.
Once this hilly country with a northern climate and brave inhabitants constantly at war with their neighbors - the English, repeatedly invaded Scotland. No wonder the motto of the Scottish crown in Latin sounds like "No one touches me with impunity." And, as the history of the Scottish people, this slogan was never empty words.
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Residences and military castles
Among the most visited places include Edinburgh Castle, which is located in the city center at the top of Castle Hill. It is an ancient palace with a thousand-year history, for many years it was the seat of Scottish kings. Edinburgh Castle, which can be seen for many kilometers in all directions, attracts large numbers of tourists. The royal treasury, located in the castle, the royal regalia are kept former rulers of Scotland - a sword, a scepter and a golden crown, reminiscent of the former independence of this country. There is a museum of the armed forces of Scotland, where you can see brilliant examples of medieval weapons.
Not far from Edinburgh Castle, at the other end of the main street of Edinburgh, which is called the Royal Mile, it is such a tourist attraction in Scotland, as the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This building is the official residence of the Queen of Great Britain, there are official receptions and state ceremonies. In the palace you can see the exquisite vintage halls times Scottish and British kings, the main decoration of Holyroodhouse - the private quarters of the Scottish queen Mary Stuart, which are stored antique works of art, paintings and tapestries. Incidentally, in the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the famous art gallery, which exhibits more than one hundred portraits of Scottish monarchs.
Stirling Castle because of its strategic importance was named the key to Scotland. It is located on top of the mountain is an extinct volcano, and it is called the most spectacular castle in the country. On three sides it is surrounded by steep cliffs, making its defensive power increases dramatically. There was a lot of battles and sieges, one of which lasted for four months, until the last of the 30 dead soldiers, to keep the defense of the castle.
Stirling Castle has a unique architecture, as it was reconstructed several times over the centuries of its existence. Beautiful rooms, the medieval statues and antique guns - is only part of the splendor, which you can see here. Also, tourists enjoy visiting the regimental museum or walk around the castle walls, which offer wonderful views of the adjacent hilly plains.
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Mystical and religious buildings
If we talk about Glamis Castle, no one other historic sights in Scotland is not surrounded by so many mysterious stories and legends. With this lock associated mystical stories about monsters and ghosts, and one of the legends says that a Scottish Earl of playing cards here with the devil on his soul and lost. Glamis Castle is surrounded by parks and gardens, which covers an area of several square kilometers. There is a real open-air museum, which collects trees from all over the world. Fine rooms and apartments of the castle, a small medieval chapel, the clock tower and the other magnificent architectural ensemble of elements give a unique charm Glamis castle with a mystical tinge.
From religious monuments should be noted the landmark, as the Cathedral of Saint Giles, who is also in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. This building, built in ancient times, dates back almost a thousand years. Inside the cathedral is the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle, the ancient order of knights founded hundreds of years ago. Once a year, the monarch comes to Edinburgh specifically to hold a dedication ceremony in the chapel of the new knights and ladies of the Order.
The interior of the Cathedral are still preserved medieval jewelry including heraldic carving, memorials and objects of religious content. Cathedral of St Giles, as before, is an active temple Scottish Presbyterian Church, so visitors have the opportunity to take part in religious services held here.
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National Parks and Reserves
Scotland and is known for its natural landscapes. Attractions such as the Scottish national parks "Cairngorm" and "Loch Lomond and Trossahs" has long been under state protection. They attract tourists not only for its picturesque scenery, but also the opportunity for outdoor activities, knowledge of Scottish history and culture, especially the lives of local people. Particular attention should be paid to the National Reserve of Scotland, an area of about 95 hectares.
They are specially designed to protect the unique landscape and rare species of plants, birds and animals that live in these territories. However, these reserves are open to tourists, and learn about local flora and fauna can be anyone, walk along the predetermined routes. Also in Scotland, there are protected areas, which include the coastal and mountain areas, forests, rocks, lakes and three biosphere reserves created to preserve in its original form unique ecosystems.
Enumerating the attractions of the region, not to mention the famous Loch Ness, famous not primarily for its natural features and the mythical Loch Ness monster, allegedly living in its depths. Direct evidence for the existence of the lake at the bottom of a giant monster is not, so many people think that the legend simply use the owners of local hotels to attract tourists. But this does not prevent visitors enjoy visiting these places, plunge into the mysterious atmosphere of the ancient myth.
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