Calton Hill is a striking and prominent feature of Edinburgh’s skyline, overlooking the Old and New Towns of the city. Located on the east side of the city centre, it is an ancient site of human habitation and a popular place for tourists and locals alike. The hill has a fascinating history, from its role in the early formation of the city, to its many famous monuments and buildings.
Geography
Calton Hill stands at an elevation of around 100 metres (330 feet) above sea level and is a steep-sided mound with a flat summit. It is located in the Old Town of Edinburgh, immediately east of the city centre and is bounded by Regent Road to the north and Waterloo Place to the south. It is separated from the Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, by the deep ravine of the Cowgate.
History
Calton Hill has been an important site in the history of Edinburgh since ancient times. It was first settled by the Celts in the Iron Age and later occupied by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, it was the site of Edinburgh Castle, which was destroyed in the 16th century. The hill was also the site of the first public execution in Edinburgh, in 1573. In the 18th century, the hill became the location for a number of important public buildings, including the Royal High School, the Nelson Monument, the National Monument and the City Observatory.
Monuments
Calton Hill is home to some of Edinburgh’s most iconic monuments and buildings. These include the Nelson Monument, a 51-metre (167-foot) tall tower built in 1807 to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. There is also the National Monument, an unfinished neoclassical monument to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Other notable monuments include the City Observatory, the Royal High School, and the Political Martyrs’ Monument, which commemorates the martyrs of the Radical War of 1820.
Activities
Calton Hill is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It is a great place for a leisurely stroll, with stunning views of the city and its many monuments. The hill is also home to a number of parks and gardens, including the Calton Hill Garden, which is open to the public. It is also the site of the annual Beltane Fire Festival, which takes place on April 30th every year.
Conclusion
Calton Hill is an important part of Edinburgh’s history and a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. With its many monuments and stunning views, it is an iconic feature of the city’s skyline and a great place to explore.
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