The site of Edinburgh’s Acropolis
Calton Hill is unmissable, situated right in the city centre of Edinburgh beyond the east end of Princes Street, with its Athenian-like acropolis standing out in the skyline. This hill is known for its stunning views, and as such it is often seen in photographs and paintings of the capital city.
The acropolis is actually unfinished as funding ran out after construction started in 1822; it was originally called the "National Monument" and designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens. The project was initiated in 1816, a year after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, and was intended to serve as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars.
This is a great place to get a bird's eye view over Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, the cliffs of Salisbury Crags, Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park. It's also THE place to be for watching the fireworks show on Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) or at the finale of the Edinburgh Festival every August.
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