St Giles Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

About St Giles Cathedral

	St Giles Cathedral High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1RE
	01312259442
	St Giles Cathedral Website
	Follow StGilesHighKirk on Twitter

Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).

There is record of a parish church in Edinburgh by the year 854, served by a vicar from a monastic house, probably in England. It is possible that the first church, a modest affair, was in use for several centuries before it was formally dedicated by the bishop of St Andrews on 6 October 1243. The parish church of Edinburgh was subsequently reconsecrated and named in honour of the patron saint of the town, St Giles, whose feast day is celebrated on 1 September.

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Upcoming Events at St Giles Cathedral

Shopping

Makers Market at St Giles Cathedral

Selected dates between 3rd April 2025 - 27th November 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

The Makers Market returns to the iconic St Giles' Cathedral in the heart of Edinburgh in 2025!

Music

Beethoven Sonatas by Candlelight

Selected dates between 7th July 2025 - 24th November 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional early evening piano recital at the beautiful candlelit venue of St Giles' Cathedral!

Music

Chopin by Candlelight

Selected dates between 25th July 2025 - 26th September 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Brought to you by City Music Promotions, treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional evening piano recital at the beautiful venue of St Giles' Cathedral.

Music

A Night at the Opera by Candlelight (Feat. Nessun Dorma)

Selected dates between 26th July 2025 - 24th October 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Set in the beautiful candlelit setting of St Giles' Cathedral, enjoy a night with the exceptional musicians of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta and some of the UK's leading opera singers!

Music

Rudsambee at St Giles: Scotland at Night

14th September 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Enjoy a night of beautiful music when Rudsambee present their late Summer concert, with a Scottish theme, at St Giles' Cathedral on Sunday 14th September!

Music

Vivaldi, Mozart & Bach by Candlelight

20th September 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Experience London Concertante's ultimate fusion of classical masterpieces with our captivating concert featuring Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Vaughan-Williams' Lark Ascending at St Giles' Cathedral!

Music

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & The Lark Ascending

18th October 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

London Concertante brings Vivaldi’s masterpiece to life in a wonderful concert featuring gems of baroque music at St Giles Cathedral.

Music

A Night at the Opera by Candlelight

15th November 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera with "A Night at the Opera," a captivating showcase of timeless classics that will transport you to the grandeur of the stage!