Luis Cicerone of Las Aventuras del Cicerone shows us Edinburgh through his lens.

They call it the “Athens of the North” for a reason.

For centuries Edinburgh, (pronounced Edin-bra), has been one of the most prominent hotspots for the arts, culture, literature and enlightment in Britain and Europe.

View from Calton Hill

Edinburgh – Athens of the North

For many, the Scottish capital is the most beautiful city in the old continent, and I have to agree. It is called the Athens of the North, but having been to both cities, I think such a nickname does not do any justice to the beauty of Dun Eidin.

View of the city with the Edinburgh Castle in the Background

Victoria Street - Edinburgh

Victoria Street - Edinburgh

The Balmoral Hotel -Edinburgh

The impossibly tall medieval buildings, sombre alleyways and ancient gothic churches of the Old Town loom over like slim, dark ghosts, transporting visitors to former times.

Edinburgh National Monument

Edinburgh National Monument

Being the “Athens of the North” sure comes with a price.

To fill such a name tag, Edinburgh tried to impress the world by building a replica of the Parthenon as a monument to national pride. The titanic works began in 1826, only three years later, money had run out and works had to be suspended. Legend has it that the city of Glasgow offered to donate the money to finish the monument but the City of Edinburgh refused to let its rival city pay for their monument.

Bobby

Greyfriars Bobby

Then there’s Bobby, one of those moving little tales that bring a city to life. According to the story, the little Skye Terrier spent fourteen years guarding his dead master’s grave.

When Bobby died, his loyalty was rewarded by burying him close to his master. Years later, the city of Edinburgh erected a monument to Bobby right next to the Greyfriars graveyard.

Edinburgh Festivals

Edinburgh Pope’s Parade Preparations

Child Bagpiper Playing

I visited Edinburgh on the same weekend the Pope was coming, so I was able to see the parade’s preparations.

Edinburgh Architecture

Red Door - Edinburgh

Blue Door - Edinburgh

Greyfriars Graveyard

Greyfriars Graveyard

And of course, there’s the graveyards. Usually big cities have one famous cemetery, Edinburgh has got at least four.

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat Behind the Clouds

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

Barely one mile away from the Castle stands Arthur’s Seat, a 800 ft mountain nested in the middle of the city. The almost flat top mountain makes for a wonderful Sunday walk and provides amazing views over Edinburgh and beyond.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Building Architecture

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