A Guide to the Ultimate Rosslyn Chapel Tour from Edinburgh
Rosslyn Chapel tour from Edinburgh is among Scotland’s prime tourist attractions.
The chapel, located in the village of Roslin, is among the rare medieval collegiate chapels from that era that have survived to the present day, making it a significant monument. This beautiful little chapel is enveloped in mystery and speculation regarding the historical secrets it might possess.
The charm of its location in rural Midlothian and the enigmatic symbolism of its elaborate stone carvings have drawn and fascinated artists, writers, and visitors since its construction.
Where is Rosslyn Chapel?
The village of Roslin is located only 7 miles to the south of Scotland‘s capital. Reaching Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh is straightforward and offers a delightful day excursion.
A picturesque drive, or taking the Lothian bus number 37 from the center of Edinburgh, will take you approximately 50 minutes to arrive. You can explore the entire chapel, including the vault, but the sealed crypt below is off-limits.
Exploring Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel carvings
Upon entering Rosslyn Chapel, you are struck by the multitude of intricate carvings that adorn every area: tales from the Bible; angels with the lute and bagpipes; stars and blossoms; doves and suns; and the image of Christ. Certainly, some call Rosslyn Chapel a ‘stone bible’.
Stonemasons seemed to have had the liberty to also engrave themes from daily life and faith into the stone of the Chapel. Some of its most renowned and intriguing carvings, for example, include over one hundred depictions of the ‘green man’: pagan-like representations of human faces with leaves sprouting from their mouths, set against a backdrop of greenery.
Corn Carvings
The existence of a corn carving, recognized by botanists as Native American Indian Corn, implies that one of William’s ancestors might have found America a century prior to Christopher Columbus! This plant was not recognized in Britain during the time the chapel was constructed.
The sole inscription found in the Chapel states: ‘Wine is powerful, the King is mightier, women hold greater strength, yet truth prevails over all.’
A commonly accepted notion associates Rosslyn Chapel with Freemasonry. Undoubtedly, the St Clair family was connected to Scottish Freemasonry. It is believed that the founder of the Chapel, Sir William, received the Grand Master title of the Scottish Masons from King James II, and it was inherited thereafter.
Various masonic symbols, likely originating from the 1860s, are etched into the Chapel’s walls, though it is believed these were included during restoration efforts carried out in the 1860s.
The Apprentice Pillar
It’s not surprising that Rosslyn Chapel is regarded as one of Scotland’s most architecturally remarkable structures. Its outside showcases honey-colored stone, arched windows, and slender columns.
A prominent architectural element of the Chapel is the Apprentice Pillar, certainly its most renowned sculptural work.
The tale associated with the Pillar is that the original master mason of the Chapel hesitated to carve the pillar requested by Sir William St Clair until he traveled to Rome to observe examples of the kind of pillar he aimed to produce.
In the absence of his master, a young apprentice, motivated by a vision, fashioned the pillar we observe today. Rather than feeling pleased, the master mason was filled with envy and ended up killing the unfortunate apprentice.
A plaque in the chapel indicates that The Apprentice Pillar is believed to symbolically represent the World Tree Yggdrasil from Norse mythology, and there are several other references to Celtic and Norse mythology within the chapel.
Rosslyn Chapel and ‘The Da Vinci Code’
Rosslyn Chapel gained international fame after being highlighted as a key narrative location in Dan Brown’s 2003 worldwide bestseller The Da Vinci Code, along with the 2006 movie adaptation featuring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou.
The number of international visitors to the Chapel has significantly increased in the years since.
Though he doesn’t quite rival Tom Hanks’ worldwide fame, William, the Chapel’s black-and-white cat, is a more regional, feline icon tied to the structure.
The adventures of William the cat are included in various children’s books, which you can purchase (along with a plush toy) at the Chapel gift shop.
Unravel the mysteries of Rosslyn Chapel and Historic Scotland, just like in The Da Vinci Code.
Experience the Magic of Rosslyn Chapel with Wee Scottish Tours
A visit to Rosslyn Chapel is more than just a sightseeing excursion—it’s a journey into Scotland’s rich history, mysterious legends, and breathtaking architecture. From the intricate stone carvings to the enigmatic stories of Freemasonry and The Da Vinci Code, the chapel continues to captivate those who walk through its doors.
At Wee Scottish Tours, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences, ensuring you explore this magnificent site with expert insight and comfort. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply seeking a magical Scottish adventure, our Rosslyn Chapel tour from Edinburgh promises to be a highlight of your trip.
Join us and uncover the secrets of Rosslyn Chapel—one of Scotland’s most intriguing treasures!
