Just a few kilometres from Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel stands as one of Scotland’s most enigmatic and captivating architectural treasures. Built in the 15th century by the Sinclair family, this medieval chapel is shrouded in mystery that continues to draw visitors from around the world.
The chapel’s international fame grew exponentially after being featured in Dan Brown’s bestseller “The Da Vinci Code” and the subsequent film, which scenes set here and offers various interpretations of the symbolism behind the chapel’s sculptures and bas-reliefs. Its beauty, however, transcends any romanticised narrative. Every corner of Rosslyn Chapel tells a story, and every column seems to hide a secret.
Long before Dan Brown penned his novel, Rosslyn Chapel was already at the centre of fantasies surrounding the Holy Grail and the Knights Templar.
Many indeed believe that the Holy Grail was brought here by the Templars and hidden somewhere within. But beyond the legends and fanciful theories, Rosslyn Chapel remains a genuinely mysterious place.
What makes Rosslyn Chapel unique is the multitude of symbols carved throughout: countless mysterious references for which there is still no explanation.
The interior of Rosslyn Chapel is decorated almost obsessively, leaving not a single centimetre bare, creating veritable gardens of stone in which freemasonry symbols and icons of secret societies intertwine: from columns to windows, from ceiling to alcoves, every element is rich in detail.
The two interior features that attract the most attention are the Apprentice Pillar and the ceiling.
The legendary Apprentice Pillar is probably the most famous element inside the chapel. But beyond its exquisite craftsmanship, it’s the story behind it that strikes you. Legend has it that the master mason commissioned to create it travelled to Italy to study designs and construction techniques, but in his absence, an apprentice sculpted the work in his place, producing the masterpiece we can still admire today. Upon returning to Scotland, the Master Mason, consumed by jealousy at the apprentice’s skill, murdered him.
The ceiling of Rosslyn Chapel is a genuine stone encyclopaedia, a true masterpiece with enigmatic features that will have you craning your neck for a long time: it is divided into five sections and features a series of floral symbols that, though seemingly randomly positioned, are believed by scholars to represent an encoded message. Even more unsettling are the Green Men – a series of human faces entwined with vegetation that, in the Christian symbolism of the time, represented fertility and abundance.
Particularly intriguing are also the depictions of plants such as aloe and maize, which theoretically should not appear in a 15th-century Scottish church, as they were brought to Europe only after Columbus’s discovery of the Americas. This historical anomaly has fuelled theories that the Sinclairs may have reached the New World before Columbus.
Beneath the chapel lies a crypt, once the burial place of the Sinclair family. Although it is not accessible to visitors today, its existence has spawned numerous legends about mysterious contents it might hold: from relics of Solomon’s Temple to the Holy Grail, and even treasures of the Knights Templar.
To visit Rosslyn Chapel, you’ll need to purchase an admission ticket, which we recommend buying in advance on the official website, especially during peak season (June–September), when the chapel can become very crowded. Entry is free for children under 8 and discounts are available for students and families.
Your ticket includes access to the chapel, the visitor centre and guided tours, which run regularly throughout the day. We strongly recommend joining a guided tour, as the guides are extremely knowledgeable and reveal details and curiosities that you might otherwise miss.
Rosslyn Chapel is open to visitors year-round with the following hours:
The chapel is closed on 24, 25, 26 December and 1 and 2 January.
The best time to visit Rosslyn Chapel is early morning, just after opening, when there are fewer visitors and you can enjoy the chapel’s mysterious atmosphere in relative peace. Alternatively, an hour before closing is usually a good time to avoid the crowds.
It’s important to note that Rosslyn Chapel remains an active place of worship, with regular religious services on Sunday mornings. This is why the chapel opens later on Sundays.
The village of Roslin is just a few kilometres outside Edinburgh and is easily reached by taking the Lothian bus 37, which takes approximately 40–50 minutes to get you directly to Roslin, a short walk from the chapel.
Alternatively, if you have a hire car, it’s about half an hour away and you can park right outside.
Many agencies in Edinburgh offer half-day tours that include Rosslyn Chapel, often combined with other attractions. During our trip to Scotland, we opted for this solution and found it very convenient.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
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