Uncovering centuries of mystery at Rosslyn Chapel

Built in 1446 by Sir William St Clair, 1st Earl of Caithness, the Chapel was not finished when he died in 1484 and his son Oliver oversaw its completion. 'It came into his mind to build a house for God's service, of most curious work, the which that it might be done with greater glory and splendour, he caused artificers to be brought from other regions and foreign kingdoms and caused daily to be abundance of all kinds of workmen present as masons, carpenters, smiths, barrowmen and quarriers....' is how Father Hay, author of A Genealogie of the Saintclaires of Rosslyn, describes St Clair’s plan for Rosslyn. 

In the years following the Reformation, the Chapel was abandoned and fell into disrepair but was subsequently rededicated in 1862 after a period of Victorian repairs and re appropriation. 

A 1995 report confirmed major damage was occurring and that humidity was severely prominent throughout Rosslyn. 

The Chapel rose to worldwide prominence in 2003 when Dan Brown released his bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code, in which the climactic scene takes place at Rosslyn. The film adaptation was released in 2006, with a portion filmed at Rosslyn, further cementing the Chapel’s connection to this story in the collective imagination. After they had wrapped filming, Tom Hanks, the lead actor in the film, said that: ‘Few locations in film are so delightful and few destinations live up to their billing, but Rosslyn Chapel was all one could imagine or hope for.’ 

The notoriety acquired by the Chapel due to the Da Vinci Code connection allowed it to complete its essential conservation works and survive. 

The Chapel’s architecture is considered to be some of the finest in the country. During your visit, be sure to keep an eye out for the mysterious carvings, scattered around the space, some of whose meanings have been deciphered for a long time, while others remain complete mysteries and open to interpretation. 

The Crypt was once accessible via stairs at the back of the Chapel but is closed off today. It is the final resting place of many members of the St Clair family although some champion the rumours that the crypt may house an array of mythical artefacts such as the Holy Grail, the head of Jesus Christ, the original Crown Jewels of Scotland or even the treasure of the Knights Templar. In other words, the kind of stuff you only see in Indiana Jones movies. 

The Apprentice Pillar is one of Rosslyn Chapel’s more infamous features. The legend behind this peculiar element of the Chapel is so intriguing, we think it’s best to let you discover it on the spot, to keep some of the suspense alive while on your trip. One of our favourite little fun facts about this pillar is the inscription on the architrave linked to it reads “Forte est vinum fortior est rex fortiores sunt mulieres super omnia vincit veritas” which translates to “Wine is strong, a king is stronger, women are stronger still, but truth conquers all” from 1 Edras, chapters 3 & 4. 

Take a moment to appreciate the stunning kaleidoscope-like light streaming from the many stain-glass windows and highlight all of the Chapel’s quirky mysterious attributes.

By car: 

• The Chapel is located in Roslin Village, off the A701. It’s an easy 30 minute drive from Edinburgh city centre. 

By bus: 

• Buses from Edinburgh city centre run regularly. Hop onto a Lothian Service 37 and check that it says ‘Penicuik/ Deanburn’ at the front of the bus. The bus takes visitors into Roslin centre and the nearest stop to the Chapel is “Original Rosslyn Hotel”. The trip takes about an hour.