If history, culture, and architecture fascinate you, Stirling Castle must be on your bucket list. Standing tall atop Castle Hill, the castle is one of the biggest and the most significant castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. Believed to be home to several powerful kings and royals, witness to the bloody Wars of Scottish Independence, a favourite amongst the Renaissance poets and then an administrative centre of Scots, Stirling Castle has a rich history. It is a must-visit destination. Read continue to learn more about this majestic castle.
| Location | Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland (Google Map Location) |
| Open for visitors | Yes |
| Official Website | Stirling Castle |
| Room’s available | Yes (Wedding, Events, Filming) |
Stirling Castle History
The castle dates back to 1107 when Alexander I endowed a chapel—then handed it over to Henry II of England under the Treaty of Falaise. From then on, the castle remained an important administrative burg for different rulers. The castle has seen everything from a fortress that remained undefeatable during the War of Independence to get a poetic touch through the Renaissance period. It remained a military centre through the 17th-18th centuries and opened to the public in the 20th century. It is now one of Scotland’s most popular international tourist destinations that can be hired for events like weddings, corporate events, receptions, the city’s Hogmanay at Stirling Castle and more.
Stirling Castle Inside
The Stirling Castle offers a lot to visitors in terms of royalty, architectural beauty, and the splendour of the middle ages. The highlight is the extensively restored Royal Palace, a true testimony of the royal riches from the 1500s. The Chapel Royal, the last building erected in the castle, adds more elegance. The Castle Exhibition, The Palace Vaults, Stirling Heads Gallery, and the Regimental Museum provide a sneak peek into the castle’s long and rich history and artistic treasures. The Cloister Museum exhibits the beautiful Renaissance tapestry.
Facts that Make Sterling Castle Even More Interesting
- The King of Scotland, James V, was rumoured to dress as a commoner and mingle with his pupils in Stirling town. He also housed a lion in this castle, considered the symbol of the King of Scots.
- The castle houses nine human skulls discovered in 2008 in the royal chapel. They are believed to be the remains of the royals.
- The oldest football in the world was discovered here.
- A secret code was discovered on one of the Stirling Heads, which turned out to be musical notes of a requiem from the 16th century. You can hear this music in the Royal Hall today.
- The castle’s outside ground has been used as an open-air concert venue, including R.E.M., Bob Dylan, Runrig and more. Stirling’s Hogmanay celebrations are also held annually and live broadcast on TV.
Stirling Castle Nearby Places to Stay
Stirling town is home to numerous heritage and historical buildings. Many of them have been turned into hotels and homestays. Hotels like Stirling Highland Hotel, Munro Guest House, The Portcullis, Holiday Inn Express, etc., are great options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Stirling Castle?
The castle is owned and run by Historic Environment Scotland, the Ministry of Defence.
When was Stirling Castle built?
There are several stories about Stirling Castle being one of the oldest in Scotland; the first official written records date to 1110, when Alexander I dedicated a chapel there.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
