{"id":18667,"date":"2020-03-24T08:43:25","date_gmt":"2020-03-24T07:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/checkinblog.it\/en\/?p=18667"},"modified":"2020-03-24T08:43:25","modified_gmt":"2020-03-24T07:43:25","slug":"8-things-to-see-in-stirling-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/checkinblog.it\/en\/8-things-to-see-in-stirling-scotland\/","title":{"rendered":"Stirling, the top 8 things to see in one day in the old capital of Scotland \u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stirling is located in central Scotland<\/strong>, on the way to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park <\/strong>while Edinburgh and Glasgow<\/strong> are 60 Km (37 miles) and 42 Km (26 miles) far. Due to its strategic position, throughout the centuries Stirling has been considered <\/strong>the most important gateway to the Highlands<\/strong> so this explains the popular quote:<\/p>\n

\u201cWho holds Stirling, holds Scotland<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n

For this reason some of the pivotal battles of the Scottish history<\/strong> took place here. Also Stirling Castle <\/strong>has been besieged several times over the centuries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The top 8 things to see and do in Stirling<\/span><\/h2>\n

As the city is quite close to the Scottish capital and easily reachable by public transport<\/strong> (average travel time is 45 minutes), Stirling is the perfect destination for a day trip from Edinburgh<\/strong>. However, in my opinion Stirling would deserve more time in order to discover<\/strong> all its<\/strong> historical and cultural heritage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For example \u2013 and please take this an another personal suggestion \u2013 you may spend one night at The Golden Lion Hotel<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s situated in the city centre<\/strong> and less than a 10 minute walk from the railway station<\/strong>. Opened since 1786, it welcomed<\/strong> Robert Burns in August 1787<\/strong> during his visit in town. He was deeply disappointed by the dilapidated state of the castle so he etched a verse on a pane of glass in his second floor bedroom:<\/p>\n

\u201cHere Stuarts once in glory reign\u2019d, And laws for Scotland\u2019s weal ordain\u2019d ; But now unroof \u2018d their palace stands, Their sceptre\u2019s sway\u2019d by other hands. The injur\u2019d Stuart line is gone, A race outlandish fills their throne An idiot race, to honour lost : Who know them best despise them most\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The scottish poet then returned in October and decided to smash that pane of glass with the butt of his riding crop.<\/p>\n

\"Where<\/a>
Reception stairway at The Golden Lion Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

History, architecture, art and nature\u2026 Stirling has it all<\/strong> so this article intend to sum up the top 8 things to do and see <\/strong>in the city that used to be the capital of Scotland<\/strong>. Indeed, King Robert The Bruce held a Parliament here in 1326<\/strong> and from then until the mid-16th century Stirling flourished as the castle became the regular residence for the Stuart Kings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The full itinerary<\/strong> was accomplished in two days<\/strong>. Most of the attractions<\/strong> are located in and around the medieval citadel<\/strong>, whilst the others are well connected to the centre by bus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to visit in Stirling: 1) the Castle<\/span><\/h3>\n

Still today the fortress is the symbol of the Scottish independence and national pride<\/strong>. Like Edinburgh Castle<\/strong>, it sits on a high volcanic rock, visible for many miles in all directions. The building was first mentioned around 1100, though what we see today mostly dates back to 1496-1583. Many Scottish Kings and Queens<\/strong> were baptized, crowned and also passed away here, until the Union of the Crowns in 1603<\/strong>. Indeed, Stirling Castle<\/strong> used to be a Royal Residence from<\/strong> Alexander I<\/strong> \u2013 who became King in 1107 \u2013 to<\/strong> James VI<\/strong>, the son of Mary Queen of Scots and the first monarch to rule both the Kingdoms of Scotland and England.<\/p>\n

The castle has been attacked or besieged at least 16 times over the centuries<\/strong>. This the reason why its defences were modified and expanded so many times until 1714, in response to the threat posed by the Jacobites.<\/p>\n

\"Visit<\/a>
Visit of Stirling Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having said that, most of the visit takes place in the \u201cInner Close<\/strong>\u201d, a square surrounded by the royal buildings constructed between 15th-16th centuries<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Great Hall <\/strong>was added by James IV around 1501-1504 and it\u2019s the largest of this type ever built in Scotland<\/strong>. The building is easily recognizable thanks to the tint \u2013 King\u2019s Gold<\/strong> \u2013 of its external walls that was recreated during the restoration work carried out since 1964.<\/p>\n

The new Chapel Royal<\/strong> was commissioned by James VI in 1593 and it was completed in only 7 months, just in time for the christening of Prince Henry (30 August 1594). It was one of the first Protestant places of worship in Scotland<\/strong> as well as the last royal building to be built here<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Royal Palace<\/strong> was ordered by James V but it was finished after his death in 1542. It\u2019s considered<\/strong> one of the best preserved Renaissance buildings in UK<\/strong>. The \u201cStirling Heads<\/strong>\u201d in the King\u2019s Inner Hall are one of the most outstanding aspects of the original decor of the palace. These are 37 amazing carved wooden heads laids into the ceiling <\/strong>of that room. They represent real people, historical figures and mythical heroes<\/strong> as well. Many of this original artworks are showcased in the exhibition located on the upper floor of the building.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a>
The Royal Chapel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"8<\/a>
The “Stirling Heads”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Discover<\/a>
Guided tour inside Stirling Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Allow yourself a couple of hours for the tour <\/strong>of the entire fortress, the Cafe and Shops<\/strong> are also available inside. Stirling Castle is one of Scotland\u2019s most visited attractions<\/strong> and, especially in peak season, the average number of daily visitors is relevant. For this reason I recommend you to purchase your ticket online<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a> in order to skip the queue<\/strong>. A free guided tour<\/strong> is also available, it lasts around 30 minutes and it starts every hour. Please note that Stirling Castle is one of the historical sites \u2013 together with Edinburgh Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Blackness and Urquhart Castle and so on – included in the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to see in Stirling: 2) the Old Town<\/span><\/h3>\n

Located on the castle esplanade, the statue dedicated to Robert The Bruce<\/strong> commemorates one of Scotland\u2019s greatest heroes<\/strong>. The monument stands on a very panoramic spot<\/strong> over the city<\/strong>, with stunning views across River Forth and the National Wallace Monument.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a>
The statue of Robert Bruce<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving the fortress behind us, the cobbled street leads in the heart of Stirling Old Town<\/strong>, rich of valuable historic buildings. Argyll\u2019is Lodging<\/strong> is considered one of the best examples of civil architecture from the 16th century<\/strong>, unfortunately currently it\u2019s not open to the public (December 2019<\/em>). Mar\u2019s Wark <\/strong>was another building from the 16th century and the Earl of Mar <\/strong>lived here until the end of the 17th century. He was one of the richest and most powerful men of the country and he was elected indeed Guardian of the infant King James VI of Scotland<\/strong>. Then, in 1715 the house was converted into barracks to welcome Jacobite supporters and it was destroyed during the Rebellion of 1745<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Few steps away, the Church of the Holy Rude <\/strong>is one of Scotland\u2019s most important medieval churches<\/strong>. King James VI was crowned here in 1567 and for this reason it claims to being the only active church in the United Kingdom <\/strong>\u2013 apart from Westminster Abbey \u2013 to have held a coronation<\/strong>. The old cemetery is a unique viewpoint over Stirling Castle.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a>
The Church of Holy Rude and Cemetery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to visit in Stirling: 3) Smith Art Gallery and Museum<\/span><\/h3>\n

Opened in 1874 at the bequest of artist Thomas Stuart Smith<\/strong> (1815-1869), the Smith Art Gallery and Museum<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a> is a Victorian building overlooking Albert Square<\/em>. It houses more than 40.000 artworks and objects celebrating local people, heritage and culture<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a>
The Smith Art Gallery & Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Galleries 1 and 2 host temporary exhibitions while the Gallery 3 is focused on the rich cultural history of Stirling and Stirlingshire<\/strong> as well. You may also find out more about the world’s oldest football<\/strong>. The museum runs an event programme over the year, including children\u2019s activities, talks and lectures. Admission is free.<\/p>\n

\"Discover<\/a>
Visit of Smith Art Gallery & Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to see in Stirling: 4) Kings Park<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once used as the hunting ground for the Royal Court, today Kings Park <\/strong>is a very popular destination for families, walkers and golf players<\/strong>. So facilities<\/strong> include skate park, play area for all ages, outdoor gym equipment, tennis and golf courts, coffe and ice cream kiosk (during summer months), picnic tables and seating, The area also offers beautiful views of the castle on the horizon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
Kings Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

King\u2019s Knot<\/strong> stands next to Kings Park, at the base of the castle rock. The ground was property of the Crown from at least the 1100s as it was used for jousting, hawking and hunting. This octagonal garden, made of stepped turf and a central grassy mound, it\u2019s linked to King Arthur<\/strong>. Indeed, according to some texts from 15th-16th centuries it seems that his Round Table was at Stirling Castle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"King's<\/a>
King’s Knot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to see in Stirling: 5) Gowan Hill and Old Stirling Bridge<\/span><\/h3>\n

The scenic walk along the old town walls continues on Back O\u2019 Hill Road<\/em> and then on Lower Bridge Street<\/em>, arriving in front of Gowan Hill<\/strong>. Another path leads to Mote Hill<\/strong>, a little bit lower but very interesting for the local history. On the top of it there\u2019re two cannons<\/strong> and the beheading stone<\/strong>. This one was used for many executions during the 15 century and it makes the hill quite a spooky place<\/strong>\u2026<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a>
On the top of Gowan Hill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Back to town and walking towards the River Forth you can spot the Old Stirling Bridge<\/strong>. This is definitely an iconic place to see<\/strong> as it represents a crucial event of the<\/strong> scottish history<\/strong>. The one we see today dates back to 15th-16th centuries and it was built to replace a succession of timber bridges.<\/p>\n

The best-known is undoubtedly the one that stood when William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeated the English troops <\/strong>led by Edward I<\/strong> at the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297<\/strong>. Later, another event took place here. During the Jacobite Rising of 1745<\/strong> the British Government troops removed an arch as a way to prevent Bonnie Prince Charlie\u2019s forces to march south.<\/p>\n

\"Learn<\/a>
Stirling Old Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to see near Stirling: 6) Cambuskenneth Abbey<\/span><\/h3>\n

To the east of Stirling a small footbridge links the village of Cambuskenneth<\/strong> to the city centre<\/strong>. Though both areas are quite close, the River Forth<\/strong> flows between them ensuring a sense of separateness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The name derives from Kenneth MacAlpin<\/strong>, the future first King of Scots<\/strong> who defeated the Picts<\/strong> in this area in the 9th century<\/strong>. This pivotal event then determinated the foundation of the Kingdom of Alba<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Cambuskenneth Abbey<\/strong> is one of Scotland\u2019s most important abbeys <\/strong>and it was founded by King David I in 1140. During the Scottish Wars of Independence<\/strong> Robert Bruce held here the first Scottish Parliament<\/strong>. King James III<\/strong> and his Queen Margaret of Denmark<\/strong> were buried in front of the high altar of the church. Much of the building was destroyed during the Scottish Reformation<\/strong> and now ony the bell tower and some ruins are still visible.<\/p>\n

\"Attractions<\/a>
Cambuskenneth Abbey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to visit near Stirling: 7) National Wallace Monument<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Wallace Monument <\/strong>is located on the top of the Abbey Craig<\/strong>, on the outskirts of Stirling. This national landmark<\/strong> is dedicated to Sir William Wallace<\/strong> and here you can find out more about his life and legacy<\/strong>. It was built between 1861-1869 and it\u2019s 67 m high<\/strong>, offering stunning panoramic views from the Crown <\/strong>(on the top of the monument). This place is supposed to be the viewpoint<\/strong> used by the scottish hero ahead of the Battle of Stirling Bridge<\/strong> fought on the 11th September 1297.<\/p>\n

\"Main<\/a>
Path to National Wallace Monument<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The tower is divided into three levels<\/strong>, only accessible via a spiral staircase:<\/p>\n