Calton Hill North Access - You Are Here - Edinburgh, UK - 'You Are Here' Maps on Waymarking.com

Calton Hill is best known for its eclectic collection of monuments, giving it the nickname “Athens of the North.” The most striking is the National Monument, a grand but unfinished replica of the Parthenon, started in 1826 to commemorate Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Lack of funds halted construction, and the “Scottish Disgrace” remains a powerful ruin — and a favorite spot for sunset photos.

Other monuments include:

Nelson Monument – A time ball drops daily at 1 pm, synchronized with the firing of the One O’Clock Gun from Edinburgh Castle.

Dugald Stewart Monument – A circular temple-like structure honoring the philosopher, often featured in postcards.

Political Martyrs’ Monument – Towering over Old Calton Burial Ground, this obelisk commemorates five Scottish reformers exiled in the 1790s for demanding parliamentary reform.

From the top of Calton Hill, the panoramic views are arguably the best in Edinburgh: the Old Town’s medieval skyline, Arthur’s Seat to the south, Leith and the Firth of Forth to the north, and Edinburgh Castle in silhouette to the west.

But Calton Hill is more than just a viewpoint. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, deeply woven into the city’s intellectual and political legacy.

Historically, Calton Hill was a place of gathering, resistance, and vision. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it hosted political demonstrations, fire festivals, and early calls for Scottish democratic reform. Even today, it remains a symbolic space — home to Beltane Fire Festival and artistic performances.

Location Name: Calton Hill

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