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

Tour

Daily Tours at St Giles’ Cathedral

10th December 2023 - 1st December 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Join a volunteer guide for a 45 min to 1 hour glimpse into the history, heraldry and life of our historic Cathedral and Thistle Chapel!

Music

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight

Selected dates between 19th July 2024 - 27th September 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Enjoy Vivaldi's timeless classic, The Four Seasons, and other magnificent works by Candlelight at St Giles' Cathedral, performed by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta!

Community

900 Voices

2nd August 2024 - 22nd August 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

The voices of Edinburgh’s communities shape an ever-evolving sound installation inside St Giles’ Cathedral's magnificent interior.

Music

This Old Cello Box

10th August 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

From Bach to The Beatles and beyond, South Australian cellist/songwriter William Jack presents a free (non-ticketed) multi-style cello recital at St Gyles' Cathedral on 10th August!

Nights Out

Luminescence: Maria Rud & Tommy Smith

15th August 2024 - 17th August 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Don't miss this spellbinding audio-visual improvisation in the moment by internationally acclaimed artist Maria Rud and saxophonist Tommy Smith at St Giles' Cathedral from 15th - 17th August!

Music

Chopin by Candlelight

Selected dates between 24th August 2024 - 28th September 2024

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

Edinburgh Royal Mile International Piano Series 2024 (Concert 9)

2nd September 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Enjoy an outstanding evening of classical piano set in the stunning candlelit venue of St Giles Cathedral, with it's newly installed Steinway Grand Piano!

Music

The Four Seasons & Lark Ascending by Candlelight

Selected dates between 14th September 2024 - 5th October 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

London Concertante brings Vivaldi's masterpiece, Four Seasons, to life in a wonderful concert featuring gems of baroque music at St Giles' Cathedral!

Music

Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight

28th September 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Enjoy an outstanding candlelit evening of classical music in the beautiful setting of St Giles Cathedral.

Music

Edinburgh Royal Mile International Piano Series 2024 (Concert 11)

30th September 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Enjoy an outstanding evening of classical piano in the beautiful setting of St Giles Cathedral on Monday 30th September!

Music

Edinburgh Royal Mile International Piano Series 2024 (Concert 12)

14th October 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

St Giles' Cathedral plays host to the inaugural Edinburgh Royal Mile International Piano Series and Concert 12 is on Monday 14th October featuring Pianist Yuki Negishi!

Music

Edinburgh Royal Mile International Piano Series 2024 (Concert 15)

4th November 2024

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Join award-winning concert pianist and critically acclaimed recording artist Olga Stezhko for an outstanding evening of classical piano at St Giles' Cathedral on 4th November!

Music