Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is the center of government and commercial life. It is also a popular tourist destination. The city is famous for its picturesque location, fine buildings and the annual international festival.
The most imposing structure is Edinburgh Castle, a famous fortress built on a hill in the center of Edinburgh. The oldest parts of the castle date back to about 1100. A special tourist attraction is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo which takes place annually in the grounds of the castle. This spectacular military parade lasts there weeks in August and September and is an impressive display of marching, military music and fireworks.
Another event which draws thousands of visitors to the capital of Scotland is the famous Edinburgh festival. This international arts festival starts in 1947 and since that time it annually brings to Edinburgh the finest performers and productions from all over the world. It is held at various centers of Edinburgh at the same time as the Tattoo and includes theaters, music, opera, dance and comedy. The unofficial part of the Edinburgh Festival is called the Fringe and it has a reputation for its experimental or avant-garde productions. In fact, more plays and concerts take place on the Fringe than at the official festival.
Edinburgh is full of beautiful historical buildings. One of them is Holyrood House, a large mansion built in the early 16th century and used as the official residence of the Queen whenever she is in Edinburgh. Another well-known building is Lady Stair’s House dating from 1622 and containing literary relics of Robert Burns,Sir Walte Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Most of the old buildings in Edinburgh stand along the Royal Mile, the ancient street leading from the castle.
One more place worth visiting in Edinburgh is Calton Hill. Rising to 335 ft, it offers an impressive view of the city center (especially the winder busy Princes Street) and Firth of Forth (a gulf on the North Sea). On the top there is a collection of monuments, including the National monument (a partly completed copy of the Greek Parthenon) and the Nelson monument.
Edinburgh is the cultural center of Scotland. The city’s pride are numerous art galleries, theaters, museums, old university (1582) and the Edinburgh Academy.