Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
Switzerland
Palace · Edimburgo, Escócia
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, at the end of the Royal Mile, with the apartments of Maria, queen of the Scots, the Grande Galeria of portraits and the ruins of the abbey of Holyrood from the 12th century.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palácio de Holyroodhouse stands at the end of the Royal Mile, at the foot of Arthur's Seat, and is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. It began as the royal lodging for the abbey of Holyrood, founded in 1128 by King Davi I, and became a palace in the early 16th century. Most of the present building, around a square courtyard, was rebuilt in the 17th century for Carlos II.
The oldest wing, in the northwest tower, contains the apartments of Maria, queen of the Scots, who lived in the palace between 1561 and 1567. There, in 1566, her Italian secretary David Rizzio was murdered in front of her by nobles led by her husband, Lord Darnley; a plaque marks the spot. The State rooms, decorated for Carlos II, have stucco ceilings and tapestries, and the Grande Galeria contains 89 portraits of Scottish kings, both historical and legendary, painted in the 17th century.
Next to the palace are the ruins of the abbey of Holyrood, with the roofless Gothic nave where Scottish kings were buried, and the gardens, which look up to the slopes of Arthur's Seat. The Queen's Gallery, beside the palace, hosts exhibitions from the Royal Collection.
The palace is closed when the monarch is in residence, usually for a week in early summer, and on other official event dates; check the Royal Collection website for closures. The Portuguese audio guide is usually included.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours, including the abbey and the gardens.
Best time
In the morning, on a weekday. Check closure dates, especially in early summer when the monarch is often in residence. Combine the visit with a climb of Arthur's Seat, which starts nearby.
How to get there
It's at the end of Canongate, the lower part of the Royal Mile, about a 20‑minute walk downhill from the castle and 15 minutes from Waverley station. Bus 35 stops outside.
Tip
Visit the palace in the morning and climb Arthur's Seat in the afternoon, setting off from Holyrood Park just behind it. Opposite is the Parlamento Escocês building, which usually opens for visits.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palace of Holyroodhouse
Is the Palácio de Holyroodhouse open year‑round?
It is open for most of the year, but closes when the monarch is in residence and for official events. Check dates on the website.
What to see in the palace?
The apartments of Maria, rainha dos escoceses, the State rooms, the Grande Galeria of portraits and the abbey ruins.
Is it near Arthur's Seat?
Yes, Holyrood Park starts right behind the palace, and the trails to Arthur's Seat begin there.