Stirling Castle, home to the mysterious ghost of the Green Lady
There is a place, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands , where history intertwines with legend, where every stone tells of kings and queens, banquets and battles, dreams and power. It is Stirling Castle , one of the most majestic fortresses in Europe, suspended between heaven and earth on a volcanic spur overlooking the surrounding valley.
From up here, the view takes in Bannockburn Field, the scene of William Wallace's exploits, and Stirling Bridge , where the legend of “ Braveheart ” was born, told in the famous 1995 film.
A fairytale palace in the heart of ScotlandThe magnificent Stirling Castle is one of the largest stone fortresses in Scotland . The town of the same name below, once the kingdom's capital, was the favourite residence of the Stewart (or Stuart) monarchs, who celebrated coronations, baptisms, and lavish banquets here. It was within these walls that Mary , Queen of Scots, grew up, becoming Queen of Scotland at just six days old, crowned in the Chapel Royal in 1543.
Walking through the castle's rooms today means entering a living historical tale : actors in costume play ladies, knights and servants, recreating the atmosphere of the 16th century and bringing the splendors of the court to life.
Dominating the castle is the Royal Palace, the first example of Renaissance architecture in the British Isles, a place where Italian art, power, and Scottish legends intertwine amid frescoes and monumental statues. Admire the Stirling Heads , the wooden portraits depicting kings, queens, and deities, a symbol of James V's power and European ambitions, as well as the Unicorn Tapestries : seven hand-woven masterpieces that recount the hunt for the unicorn, Scotland's enduring symbol.
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The castle also houses the Royal Chapel , built in just seven months for the baptism of an heir to the throne. It still retains a solemn atmosphere that harks back to the splendor (and secrets) of the Scottish court. Also not to be missed are the castle kitchens , where the finest banquets at the great court celebrations took place.
Then there are the Palace Vaults , the workshops of the master craftsmen where the sculptures and clothes of the sovereigns were born, and the Regimental Museum which tells stories of Scottish heroes and battles.
Stirling Castle's exterior also offers awe-inspiring views: the Queen Anne Gardens are a peaceful oasis overlooking the southern walls, while the King's Knot, an ancient garden inspired by the Round Table, preserves the myth of King Arthur.
Looking out from the castle, you can enjoy some of the most evocative and memorable views of the city and the Scottish Highlands . In addition to the town of Stirling and its monumental cemeteries, you can see Wallace's mausoleum in the distance, the Bannockburn battlefield, and Stirling Bridge, where the legend of William Wallace began. It was here that he defeated the English army of Edward I of England. His story is told in the famous film " Braveheart " starring Mel Gibson.
The Legend of the Green LadyNot just history and evidence of the past. Stirling Castle is deeply linked to a ghost legend : within the castle walls it seems that Scotland's most famous spectre , the " Green Lady ", hovers.
It is said that she was a servant of Queen Mary, Queen of Scots, who, one night, saved the queen from a fire in her chamber. She lost her life in the flames, but has since appeared dressed in green , gliding down the castle stairs or watching over everyone from afar. Her apparitions are considered omens, so much so that over the years she has been linked to alleged fires or dramatic events.
Visiting Stirling is like entering a fairytale carved in stone: a place where past and present coexist, amidst art, legend, and national pride.
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Stirling Castle is a listed ancient monument managed by Historic Environment Scotland. You can visit it with a guided tour, often in the guise of historical figures (you can also purchase the Stirling City Pass, which allows you to visit many of the main attractions). Children will also have fun: they can dress up in period costumes and play medieval instruments.
Getting to Stirling Castle is easy: by car , follow the A9 or M9 to the city center. There's an alternative car park to the castle car park, which has limited spaces.
By bus , several lines connect Stirling to nearby towns and the historic center, with stops just a few minutes' walk from the castle. By train , Stirling station is served by frequent connections from Edinburgh and Glasgow : from the center of the station, a 15-minute walk takes you directly to the imposing fortress.
