The most beautiful cities in Europe

The most beautiful city in Europe: Edinburgh, UK

If you ask about the most beautiful country in Europe, everyone will agree that Switzerland is the most beautiful country. So which is the most beautiful city? I believe many people will choose Edinburgh in the UK. In fact, the most beautiful city in Europe is Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth in the west of the North Sea, with an area of ??135 square kilometers and a population of 440,000. This city is surrounded by mountains and sea, with diverse landforms, stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. There are majestic castles and royal palaces here, and the urban buildings are antique, elegant and majestic, which remind people of Athens, a famous cultural city in Europe. Therefore, people give Edinburgh the reputation of "Athens of the North".

In 1995, UNESCO listed Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town as cultural heritage sites on the World Heritage List.

The famous Edinburgh International Arts Festival is held in August every year. In addition to performances by military bands, Edinburgh often attracts first-class artistic groups from all over the world to hold wonderful performances here, and also attracts people from all over the world. Well-known artists come here to compete.

Edinburgh’s history can be traced back to at least the Roman Empire. At that time the vanguard of the Roman army arrived in this area and set up camp. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Britain became dominated by the Anglo-Saxons, creating a situation of strife among the nations. One of the northern countries was called Northumbria. King Edwin (reigned from 617 to 632) led his troops to occupy the land of Edinburgh and built a fortress on the mountain. The name of Edinburgh came from "Love". Devin's City" evolved. In the 11th century AD, the Scots expanded the palace and church on the castle. From then on, the king often visited the castle. Later, the famous Cross Monastery was built one mile east of the castle. Street markets appeared between the two, forming the core of Edinburgh's old town. The main street is known as the "Royal Mile". Edinburgh blocked the main route from England to Scotland. Soon merchants gathered and the market prospered, and it was established as a city in 1329. In the 15th century, it became the royal capital of Scotland. The city became more prosperous, with royal palaces built and universities opened. In 1603, Queen Elizabeth I of England died without heirs. King James VI of Scotland came to London to inherit the throne through relatives and was renamed James I. As a result, Scotland and England were united, and Edinburgh remained the seat of the Scottish Parliament. In 1707, the two countries formally merged, the Scottish Parliament was dissolved, Edinburgh was no longer the capital, and its political status declined.

Many academic elites, writers, doctors and inventors with world-renowned reputations were born here, or studied, worked, and conducted academic research here. It can be said that there are many celebrities and bright stars. Edinburgh has become an academic center with influence in Europe and the world, ushering in another golden age. Classical economics master Adam Smith, philosopher Hume and "the father of surgical disinfection" Lister studied here. In 1768, editor and writer William Smiley published the first edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica here, laying the foundation for the world's most authoritative encyclopedia. Edinburgh writers Scott, Stevenson (author of "Treasure Island") and Conan Doyle (famous for Sherlock Holmes detective novels) are well-known in the literary world and have a wide range of readers around the world. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, was born here on March 3, 1847. Monuments to former residences and celebrities like this are everywhere in Edinburgh for people to pay their respects and remember the achievements of their predecessors.

Although Edinburgh is not as big as London, it has unique culture and history, as well as the wisdom to appreciate the culture of other countries. In Edinburgh, the city center and other major attractions are within walking distance.

The main road in the middle is the street represented by Beiqiao Road. Almost perpendicularly intersecting it is the Royal Mile Road from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. These two main lines roughly divide Edinburgh into 4 areas.

District L is the northwest district, the bustling city center. District 2 is the southwestern district, where universities, residential areas, theaters and other entertainment facilities are concentrated. District 3 is the area around the Holy Cross Palace. Area 4 is the area around Calton Hill, from which you can overlook the entire city of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is bounded by Princes Street. To the north of the street is the new city that rose from the ground after the 18th century. The new city is well-proportioned and colorful, with a variety of modern buildings. Charlotte Square and St. Andrew's Square at the east and west ends of the New Town add a poetic touch to Edinburgh and provide citizens with excellent leisure places.

The old town of Princes Street South maintains a distinctive medieval style. The famous ancient castle is located in the city center, 135 meters above sea level. There are buildings on Calton Hill that resemble the Parthenon and Thesis in Athens. The monuments in Edinburgh include St. Gil's Church built in the 12th century, the University of Edinburgh built in 1583, the National Gallery of Scotland and the Museum of Antiquities. In addition, there are the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery, which collect works by British and European art masters, including works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, etc.

Going eastward from the castle is the Royal Road specially opened for the royal family in ancient times. It connects the castle and the royal palace. Ancient houses are gathered along the way, built according to the ups and downs of the terrain. The essence of old Edinburgh is here. here. Walking down the High Street is the ancient cathedral, and behind the cathedral is the Congress Hall. There are two main buildings at the end of the High Street, one is the Old St Paul's Church and the other is John North's House.

There are shady green trees, thick grass and blooming flowers everywhere. There are many palaces, churches and castles with spiers built of black and gray sandstone dotted with it. Some sections of the streets in the old city are paved with stones, and the buildings along the streets still maintain the ancient style. The central street leads directly to Edinburgh's ancient castle. It contains St. Margaret's Church, which is the oldest building in Edinburgh and the oldest church in Scotland.