Greek Revival and memorial structures from the early 19th century, including the unfinished National Monument and the City Observatory.
Calton Hill rises at the eastern end of Princes Street in Edinburgh's New Town, Scotland, and is crowned with a group of early 19th-century monuments that earned Edinburgh the nickname Athens of the North. The most famous is the National Monument, begun in 1826 as a memorial to Scottish soldiers and sailors killed in the Napoleonic Wars. Designed by Charles Robert Cockerell and William Henry Playfair as a replica of the Parthenon, it was abandoned after funds ran out, leaving only twelve columns standing and giving it the local name Edinburgh's Disgrace. Nearby is the Nelson Monument, a tower built from 1807 to honour Admiral Lord Nelson's victory at Trafalgar; it is shaped like an upturned telescope and has a time ball that drops at one o'clock. The City Observatory, designed by William Playfair and completed in 1818, is a Greek-cross building, and the Old Observatory House dates from the 1770s. The Dugald Stewart Monument, a circular Greek temple designed by Playfair in 1831, commemorates the philosopher, and the Burns Monument sits on Regent Road at the foot of the hill. The architecture draws on Greek Revival models, carried out in local stone by Edinburgh architects. The hill is a public park and is open at all times, with viewpoints over the city, Leith and the Firth of Forth. The monuments are in the care of the City of Edinburgh Council and have been conserved over time, with the Nelson Monument sometimes ticketed separately and the Observatory used for exhibitions. The site is a popular place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
| Admission | Free (the Nelson Monument may be ticketed separately) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all times |
| Address | Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA |
Why it matters
The monuments on Calton Hill embody the Scottish Enlightenment's ambition to make Edinburgh the Athens of the North. The unfinished National Monument, begun in 1826, remains a symbol of that project and of its funding shortfall.
Location
Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA
55.9553, -3.1827 View on map
Highlights
- Unfinished National Monument modelled on the Parthenon
- Nelson Monument with its one o'clock time ball
- City Observatory by William Playfair
- Dugald Stewart Monument, a Greek temple
- Panoramic views over Edinburgh and the Forth
Tips for visiting
- The climb from Waterloo Place is short but steep; allow 10 to 15 minutes.
- Visit near sunset for the best light over the skyline.
- Check whether the Nelson Monument is open and ticketed on the day.
- Take a jacket, as the summit is exposed to wind.
- Take care on the grass and steps after dark.
When to visit
Sunrise, sunset and clear evenings give the best views. Midday in summer is busiest.
Accessibility
The paths from Waterloo Place are sloped and partly stepped, and the summit is uneven. A tarmac route leads up from Regent Road side, but wheelchair users may find sections steep.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Why is the National Monument unfinished?
Funding ran out in the 1820s, leaving only twelve columns of the planned Parthenon replica.
Is Calton Hill free?
Yes, the hill and most monuments are free and open at all times; the Nelson Monument may charge.
How long does a visit take?
About 45 minutes to an hour covers the summit monuments and views.
Is it good for children?
Yes, the open space and views suit families, though visitors should stay away from drops near the viewpoints.