Founded in the 1120s, St Giles' was the church of John Knox during the Reformation and is often referred to as the 'Cradle of Presbyterianism'. Highlights of a visit include our beautiful stained glass windows. The impressive Rieger organ was installed in 1992 and the famous Thistle Chapel, home of the Knights of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's great order of chivalry designed by Robert Lorimer for the Order of the Thistle, was added in 1911
St Giles' is situated on the historic Royal Mile, halfway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Volunteer guides are available to welcome visitors, answer questions and conduct guided tours on request.
Service Times
We have a short daily service at 12 noon Mon-Sat and services of Holy Communion at 8am on Wed and Fri and at 6pm on Saturdays. On Sundays, our service times are as follows:
8.00 am Morning Service ( Holy Communion )
10.00 am Morning Service ( Choir, Sermon, Holy Communion )
11.30 am Morning Service ( Choir, Sermon )
6.00 pm St. Giles at Six ( Programme of music and/or address )
8.00 pm Evening Service ( Holy Communion on last Sunday of month )
Music & Events
The Cathedral hosts an extensive programme of musical events throughout the year, many of which are free to attend. Our St Giles' at Six recitals series takes place every Sunday at 6pm. There are organ recitals on Thursday lunchtimes in April-June and Sept-Oct and on Wednesday evenings in July. There are also regular free lunchtime concerts throughout the summer. Please contact us for details or visit our website at www.stgilescathedral.org.uk.
Cathedral Shop & Restaurant
The Cathedral shop stocks a wide variety of attractive souvenirs, gifts, books and CDs, including a specialist range relating to the Cathedral itself. It is open Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm and Sat 10.30am - 4pm (later in summer).
The St Giles' Cathedral Roof Top Tour is now available.
Small groups of up to 4 people are taken up to a walkway on the roof by a guide to enjoy spectacular views of the Royal Mile.
Please see here for Terms and Conditions.
The 20 minute tours run regularly within our normal opening hours, giving visitors a rare chance to see Edinburgh and the Lothians from a unique perspective. To confirm a particular time or to book in advance, please email stgilestower @ gmail.com or just come on the day and book at the information desk from 10am.
Special opening offer £5 per person.
