Rosslyn Chapel
Sightseeing attraction | Roslin | Scotland | United Kingdom
The Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin, Scotland, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious sights in Britain. This small but exceptionally richly decorated chapel, officially known as the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew, is located in a picturesque village south of Edinburgh and attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in the 15th century, it is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a place full of symbolism, legends, and historical significance. Its popularity was further increased by Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code" and its adaptation into a film, but its beauty and mystique speak for themselves independently.
The history of Rosslyn Chapel begins in 1446, when Sir William St. Clair, the third Earl of Orkney and an influential Scottish nobleman, commissioned its construction. Originally planned as part of a larger collegiate church, which was never completed – possibly due to William's death in 1484. What stands today is only the choir of the planned church, but it alone is an architectural wonder. The St. Clair family used the chapel as a private place of worship and burial site for centuries, and it remained in their possession until the 20th century before being handed over to the Rosslyn Chapel Trust in 1958, which has cared for it ever since.
The most striking feature of the chapel is its extraordinary stonemasonry. Every corner is adorned with intricate carvings depicting a variety of motifs – from biblical scenes to flowers and animals, to enigmatic symbols that fascinate scholars and visitors alike. Particularly famous is the "Prentice Pillar", a richly adorned column that allegedly was meant to be destroyed by a jealous master after his apprentice created it without permission – a legend that adds an additional aura to the chapel. Equally impressive are the "Green Men", over 100 carved heads of men with leaves and vines, possibly representing pagan fertility motifs and suggesting a connection between Christianity and older traditions.
Rosslyn Chapel is also known for its mysterious connections, fueling speculations about Templars, Freemasons, and even the Holy Grail. The carvings contain symbols associated with these groups, such as the "Templar Cross" or alleged Freemasonic signs. Another curiosity is the depiction of maize plants, supposedly carved before the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 – a detail that nurtures theories about earlier transatlantic contacts or extraordinary imagination of the stonemasons. While many of these stories are scientifically debated, they contribute to the fascination of the chapel.
Architecturally, the chapel stands out for its compact size and attention to detail. The exterior facade features flying buttresses and a wealth of gargoyles, while the interior with its vaults and arches creates an intimate, almost magical atmosphere. The ceiling is adorned with stars, roses, and other ornaments that impress in their precision and symbolism. The light filtering through the stained glass windows – many added in later centuries – bathes the space in a warm, spiritual ambiance. Despite its incompleteness, the chapel appears harmonious and complete.
Over the centuries, the chapel remained a place of worship and family heritage, but suffered neglect in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly after the Reformation, when it was temporarily repurposed as a stable. Restoration works began in the 19th century by the St. Clair family and later continued by the Trust. A comprehensive renovation between 1997 and 2011 removed a layer of concrete applied in the 1950s and restored the original beauty of the stones. Today, the chapel is in excellent condition and serves as both a tourist attraction and an active church with regular services.
For visitors, Rosslyn Chapel offers more than just historical architecture. The surrounding Roslin Glen, a wooded valley with the River North Esk, invites for walks and enhances the sense of being in a place deeply rooted in history. Nearby are the ruins of Rosslyn Castle, another relic of the St. Clair family, complementing the medieval past. Inside the chapel, there is a small shop with books and souvenirs, while the on-site visitor center provides information about the history and restoration. Guided tours are offered to explain the significance of the carvings and legends, enriching the experience.
In summary, Rosslyn Chapel is a place of exceptional beauty and mysterious depth. It combines Gothic art with an aura of mystery and tells stories ranging from medieval piety to modern conspiracy theories. Whether visited for its architecture, its symbolism, or simply its quiet magic – the chapel leaves a lasting impression and is an essential highlight in Scotland that shines far beyond its small size.
