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
There are four services every Sunday (see below for details) followed by music at 6pm, Holy Communion on Fridays at 8am and a daily weekday service at noon. Holy Communion is the central act of worship in St Giles’ and is celebrated several times each week. The daily service at noon is a simple quarter-hour of readings and prayers where visitors are welcome to join with the congregation in worship.
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 & Cafe
The Cathedral shop stocks a wide variety of attractive souvenirs, gifts, books and CDs, including a specialist range relating to the Cathedral itself.
Gift Shop Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 10.00 – 18.30 (Summer) / 16.30 (Winter)
Saturday 10.00 – 16.30
Sunday 13.00 – 16.30
Café Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday 9.00 – 17.00
Sunday 11.00 to 17.00
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.
Rooftop tours currently run Saturday 10.30am – 4pm and Sunday 1.30pm – 4pm.
Tours can take a maximum of 4 people and cost £6 per person. All bookings are taken on the day, as occasionally we may have to close at short notice. Vouchers are also available as gifts. For more information please email info@stgilescathedral.com or visit our Welcome Desk.
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