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National Monument of Scotland

Name: National Monument of Scotland
Rating: 4.7

4.7 ·

Climb Calton Hill to the National Monument of Scotland, an unfinished Parthenon-style memorial. Stand among the stone pillars and look out across the city and the Forth.

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Full description

The National Monument of Scotland stands on Calton Hill as a row of towering stone columns, the remains of a planned replica of the Parthenon in Athens that was never completed. It honours Scottish soldiers and sailors lost in the Napoleonic Wars, and its unfinished state has earned it a few unflattering nicknames.

A short but steep walk from the city centre brings you to the site and its wide views over Edinburgh. It is free and open at all hours, so it suits sunrise, sunset or a quick stop of about half an hour.

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Address

Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK

Website

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Hours

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Booking

Walk-in

Duration

30 min

Best time

early morning, morning, afternoon, early evening or evening

Intensity

Moderate walking

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Good to know

Come at sunrise or sunset for the best light
expect a steep but short climb of under five minutes from the road
combine with the nearby Nelson Monument on the same hill.

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Reviews

Such a beautiful view/lookout! It doesn’t take too long to walk up at all, less than five minutes walk up it is just very steep… super close by to the train station aswell. If you aren’t up for climbing Arthur seat I would say this is an amazing substitute

Ines Hayman

3/5

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