Like a sentinel rising above the city, Edinburgh Castle dominates the Scottish capital and its surroundings. It is the starting point of the Royal Mile, the famous main thoroughfare of the Old Town, where Edinburgh's main attractions are concentrated. It is one of Scotland's most iconic historical sites.

Edinburgh Castle subsequently evolved with the successive conquests of the English armies, which gradually modified its fortifications. In the 14th century, it was converted into a royal residence without completely losing its military function: it also served as an artillery depot and a prison. James IV then commissioned the construction of Holyrood Palace, connected to the castle by the Royal Mile, to be his principal residence.

More comfortable, Holyrood became the official residence of the Scottish monarchs, while Edinburgh Castle cemented its military place in the country's history. In the 16th century, Mary Stuart took refuge there before the site was bombarded by the English army during the Lang Sienge – the “Long Siege”. Then, in the 18th century, the prison became one of the most feared prisons in Great Britain, housing prisoners of war.