Edinburgh Castle

This is the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. It was built atop a hill so that invaders could be seen while they were still miles away.













There are several different levels as the castle (and other parts of Edinburgh, as far as I understand) were built on volcanic rock.















There are tons of other buildings around the castle buildings. They're now used for gift shops (I saw three), a cafe, and an informative exhibit about the monument to those Scottish soldiers killed in WWI.













Inside the Royal Palace.






















These stones mark the graves of soldiers' beloved dogs. My favorite one was named "Scamp."






































Janna in front of the well that no longer supplies the castle's water.


















I believe this was outside the Scottish soldiers memorial. The names of all those killed in World War II were inside.





















Princes Street Gardens as seen from Edinburgh Castle.





View from outside the castle.














View from outside the building in which the Crown Jewels are kept. We weren't allowed to take pictures, but they include a crown, scepter, blade and sheath, as well as a glittering necklace, which was my favorite piece.














The tour guide said this was the oldest building of the castle. It's now the chapel, and weddings take place here. We happened to show up as a wedding party was leaving...
















The bride is in blue and the man in the kilt is the groom. :)