Founded in the 12th century, St Giles’ Cathedral can be considered one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings. In its early days, St Giles’ was just a small stone kirk, which stood roughly on the site of the present-day nave. This church was burned down by an attacking English army in the 14th century and subsequently rebuilt in spectacular fashion, owing the building its current look with distinct crown steeple. Although most of the church dates from later centuries, there are elements contained deep within which are considerably ancient. St Giles’ original 12th century doorway survived until just 200 years ago. Despite not having been a seat of bishops since 1638, St Giles’, similar to Glasgow Cathedral, has retained its title as a cathedral.placeholder image
Founded in the 12th century, St Giles’ Cathedral can be considered one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings. In its early days, St Giles’ was just a small stone kirk, which stood roughly on the site of the present-day nave. This church was burned down by an attacking English army in the 14th century and subsequently rebuilt in spectacular fashion, owing the building its current look with distinct crown steeple. Although most of the church dates from later centuries, there are elements contained deep within which are considerably ancient. St Giles’ original 12th century doorway survived until just 200 years ago. Despite not having been a seat of bishops since 1638, St Giles’, similar to Glasgow Cathedral, has retained its title as a cathedral.

Oldest Buildings in Edinburgh: 9 of the capital’s most ancient buildings and their history

Thomas Mackay
By Thomas Mackay

Search and Trends Writer

Published 2nd Mar 2023, 15:24 BST
Updated 22nd Sep 2023, 13:37 BST

Scotland’s capital city impresses tourists from all over the world with its higher than average concentration of ancient buildings that carry heaps of intriguing history.

If you’re visiting Scotland for the first time and hoping to breathe in the incredible heritage and culture then a stroll through Auld Reekie (Edinburgh in the Scots language) is essential. In comparison to many other European capitals, Edinburgh has a high concentration of ancient architecture and some of these old buildings were constructed well over five centuries ago.

The country boasts fascinating languages, award-winning outdoor scenery,castles and other famous products like whisky, but now let’s turn our attention to nine of the Scottish capital’s oldest buildings for all you lovers of history and architecture.

One of Edinburgh’s most historic and picturesque old dwellings, John Knox House on the High Street is thought to have been lived in and owned by the Protestant reformer John Knox - although there is no concrete evidence to actually support this. The house was constructed around 1490 and originally belonged to a Mr Walter Reidpath, who passed it on to his next of kin. John Knox House has changed little in style over the years, retaining its ‘overhanging’ upper floors - a feature once common in medieval Edinburgh architecture. If John Knox did ever stay in the house, it is thought that it was for no more than a few months during the great siege of Edinburgh Castle in the 16th century. However, some claim the famous Scots minister died here.

5. John Knox House

One of Edinburgh’s most historic and picturesque old dwellings, John Knox House on the High Street is thought to have been lived in and owned by the Protestant reformer John Knox - although there is no concrete evidence to actually support this. The house was constructed around 1490 and originally belonged to a Mr Walter Reidpath, who passed it on to his next of kin. John Knox House has changed little in style over the years, retaining its ‘overhanging’ upper floors - a feature once common in medieval Edinburgh architecture. If John Knox did ever stay in the house, it is thought that it was for no more than a few months during the great siege of Edinburgh Castle in the 16th century. However, some claim the famous Scots minister died here. Photo: via WikiCommons

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Sharing the same nook of the High Street as John Knox House is an equally-ancient residence, Moubray House. It was built back in 1477 for a Mr Robert Moubray and was later used as a tavern and a bookshop. The esteemed writer Daniel Defoe resided here for a spell while he was editor of the Edinburgh Courant newspaper. The facade of Moubray House was rebuilt in the early 17th century, though parts of the interior are very much original.

6. Moubray House 1500s

Sharing the same nook of the High Street as John Knox House is an equally-ancient residence, Moubray House. It was built back in 1477 for a Mr Robert Moubray and was later used as a tavern and a bookshop. The esteemed writer Daniel Defoe resided here for a spell while he was editor of the Edinburgh Courant newspaper. The facade of Moubray House was rebuilt in the early 17th century, though parts of the interior are very much original. Photo: via WikiCommons

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Although not in the Old Town, this building is worth a mention due to its age. Sometimes referred to as Merchiston Castle, this five-storey L-plan tower was built around 1454 by Alexander Napier, the second Laird of Merchiston. The building remained in the Napier family for several centuries and it is recorded that John Napier, the inventor of logarithms was born here in 1550. How appropriate then that the tower is now situated in the grounds of modern-day Napier University. The tower was built upon a rocky outcrop, which can still be seen on two sides of the building.

7. Merchiston Tower

Although not in the Old Town, this building is worth a mention due to its age. Sometimes referred to as Merchiston Castle, this five-storey L-plan tower was built around 1454 by Alexander Napier, the second Laird of Merchiston. The building remained in the Napier family for several centuries and it is recorded that John Napier, the inventor of logarithms was born here in 1550. How appropriate then that the tower is now situated in the grounds of modern-day Napier University. The tower was built upon a rocky outcrop, which can still be seen on two sides of the building. Photo: via WikiCommons

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Just to the east of the Grassmarket at the start of the Cowgate stands the quaint Magdalen Chapel. The chapel was built between 1541 and 1544 at the bequest of one Michael MacQueen who was interred here shortly after its completion. Magdalen Chapel is notable as being the last Roman Catholic church to have been constructed in Edinburgh prior the Reformation and provides us with the only remaining example of pre-Reformation stained glass in Scotland. This is particularly astonishing when you consider that the chapel is considered the ‘cradle of Presbyterianism’, having held the first ever assembly of the new Church of Scotland in 1560. John Knox was one of the 42 ministers present. The chapel is now the headquarters of the Scottish Reformation Society.

8. The Magdalen Chapel

Just to the east of the Grassmarket at the start of the Cowgate stands the quaint Magdalen Chapel. The chapel was built between 1541 and 1544 at the bequest of one Michael MacQueen who was interred here shortly after its completion. Magdalen Chapel is notable as being the last Roman Catholic church to have been constructed in Edinburgh prior the Reformation and provides us with the only remaining example of pre-Reformation stained glass in Scotland. This is particularly astonishing when you consider that the chapel is considered the ‘cradle of Presbyterianism’, having held the first ever assembly of the new Church of Scotland in 1560. John Knox was one of the 42 ministers present. The chapel is now the headquarters of the Scottish Reformation Society. Photo: via WikiCommons

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