Known as "defender of the nation," Edinburgh Castle was a key character in British royal history, and was a Scottish royal residence from at least the 11th century – Queen Margaret died there in 1093. The castle we see today dates from a bit later, and its oldest surviving section, St Margaret's Chapel, was built in her honor in the 1130s.

To this day the castle houses the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels) and the legendary Stone of Scone (a block of sandstone still used in British coronations). It also claims to be the most besieged place in Britain. It remains an active military base, and a highlight of any visit is the "one o’clock gun," when a cannon is fired from the battlements.

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Ancient marvels around the world you can still visit today