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.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for St Giles Cathedral are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatOnEdinburgh Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at St Giles Cathedral

Music

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight

Selected dates between 31st January 2025 - 23rd August 2025

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!

Music

Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight

Selected dates between 1st February 2025 - 23rd August 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Join renowned British concert pianist Warren Mailley-Smith for a performance of sensational classical and romantic works for solo piano 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 2nd June 2025 - 21st July 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

Music from the Movies by Candlelight

4th July 2025

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Join world-renowned London Concertante as they perform some of the most iconic film scores and soundtracks by mesmerising candlelight at St Giles' Cathedral on Friday 4th July!

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!