St Giles Cathedral

About 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.

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

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight

25th September 2020

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

On Friday 25th September, experience a romantic, candlelit evening with selections of the world's greatest classical music in the gorgeous St Giles' Cathedral.
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Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight

27th November 2020

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

Treat yourself and your loved ones to an evening of stunning classical music by candlelight performed by spectacular British concert pianist, Warren Mailley-Smith!
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