The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the British monarchy’s home when they spend time in Scotland. I had not been able to visit the palace during my last trip to Edinburgh because Queen Elizabeth II was in residence, so during this visit, Holyroodhouse was on the top of my list for sightseeing. It is located on the other side of Holyrood Park (where we hiked this weekend) and sits at one end of the Royal Mile, one of the most historically significant streets in Edinburgh.
The palace was built in the seventeenth century, adjacent to an abbey that dates back to 1128 (only ruins remain). It is perhaps most famous for being the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, but has also been a favored retreat for monarchs since Queen Victoria. The architecture definitely has a Baroque influence, but also features Palladian styling in its design. In the quadrangle, I discovered that on the palace’s exterior, each floor features Greek columns: starting with Doric on the ground floor, Ionic on the second and Corinthian on the third.
Like many historical homes, no photography is allowed in the interior, which was luxuriously furnished and decorated with well-preserved original pieces. My favorite room was the evening sitting room where the monarchs receive guests after dinner. There were four gorgeous tapestries with scenes from the British Empire that has been brought from London by Queen Victoria and a large portrait over the fireplace of the late Queen Mother, of whom I was always a fan.
The other room that was impressive was the royal bedchamber. The crimson brocade draped bed was stately, but I really admired the tapestries and ceiling mural that portrayed scenes from Greek mythology, such as Herakles ascending to Olympus. One reason I really like visiting historic homes from this period is because of the amazing neoclassical influence on the art work – I can actually interpret what I am viewing rather than just nodding at portraits of ancestors I am not familiar with and will soon forget.
No comments:
Post a Comment