Edinburgh is a city of architecture spanning from the medieval to the modern. This high contrast can be seen in comparing the architecture of the Old Town to the modern Scottish Parliament building. Visitors can get a taste of Gothic and Modernist designs; there truly is a building for every taste in this city.
The Scottish Parliament building is an example of modern, although somewhat controversial, design work. Designed from materials including Kemnay granite and Caithness flagstone, the post-modern building is incredibly different from the architecture found throughout the rest of the city and in stark contrast to the Old Town adjacent to it. The building is complete with abstract and geometric shapes and has been the discussion of much controversy by local citizens.
In stark contrast, Old Town and its “Royal Mile” is inclusive of narrow alleyways only a few feet wide that give way to medieval style buildings and structures. Significant buildings include St. Giles Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland and the Old College. The Old Town is divided in multiple sections and is one of the most popular walking tour destinations in Edinburgh for visitors.
