Holyrood

Holyrood is a term most often used to describe the district surrounding the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the historic and civic sites located there. The area lies at the eastern end of the Royal Mile, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, and includes royal, religious, and governmental institutions as well as public parks and monuments.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly called Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland when in Edinburgh. Its current form dates largely to the 15th and 16th centuries and it stands on the site of the former Holyrood Abbey. The palace has hosted numerous royal ceremonies and events and contains state apartments used for official entertaining. The nearby Holyrood Abbey was founded in 1128 by David I and became an important Benedictine monastery and royal burial site until its dissolution in the Reformation; today only ruins remain beside the palace.

Holyrood Park, a large public park adjacent to the palace, encompasses rugged landscape and hills, including Arthur’s Seat, a prominent hill and popular destination for walkers and visitors. The park and its scenery have long been a defining feature of the Holyrood area and of Edinburgh’s urban landscape.

In contemporary times, the Scottish Parliament Building, opened in 2004, stands near Holyrood and serves as the seat of the devolved Scottish Parliament. The building, designed by Enric Miralles, is part of the district’s modern civic presence and is closely associated with Holyrood alongside the royal and historic sites.

The name Holyrood itself is derived from Holy Cross, reflecting the historic religious associations of the site.