Edinburgh Castle: It is a landmark that symbolizes this city in the way that the Eiffel Tower represents Paris or the Empire State Building exemplifies Manhattan. Begun around A.D. 1000 at the highest point of a rocky, narrow ridge, it is a natural fortress. The castle has been the locus of many historic events and battles. It remains an active military barracks, as well as tourist attraction with the crown jewels and the famous stone of Scone on which ancient Scottish royalty was coronated.
Palace of Holyroodhouse: At the opposite end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile from the Castle, Holyroodhouse is the historic and current Royal residence. "Rood" means "cross," and abbey ruins adjacent to the mansion date to 1128. The building's present form largely dates from the late 1600s, when it was rebuilt in a dignified neo-Palladian style, but the best bits are in the oldest wing, where Mary, Queen of Scots stayed.
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