7/9/2017 Rosslyn Chapel

Beginning our journey south, we made sure to stop at Rosslyn Chapel, the 15th Century Scottish chapel made famous by the book/movie “The DaVinci Code.” It is located just 8 miles south of Edinburgh proper and has many mysteries associated with it. Was it a Templar chapel? Is the St Clair family descendants of Mary Magdalene? Is there a secret vault beneath the crypt? Did the master stonemason really kill his apprentice in a fit of jealous rage? These are just a few of the mysteries promoted by authors and conspiracy theorists over the centuries.

We found no answers to those questions but, like so many before us, we were enchanted by the chapel. It seems that every bit of masonry has been carved. It was considered a collegiate church which meant it was a teaching church so most of the stonework told stories for the illiterate. It took over 40 years for the stonemasons to complete their work.

IT WAS SMALL!!!! As we entered the chapel we were stunned by its diminutive size.
We stayed to listen to a talk about the chapel and its history and then explored the chapel more closely. We saw the famous master and apprentice pillars; the apprentice pillar completely outclassing the master’s pillar the tale of the jealous, murderous master. Carvings depicted all sorts of things: a devil and lovers; an angel with bagpipes, members of the St. Clair family – owners of the chapel; green men; seven deadly sins, seven acts of mercy, on and on. It was fascinating.

Interior of Rosslyn Chapel – both Master and Apprentice Pillars visible

We couldn’t take photos of the interior so you’ll just have to watch the movie or look at the two photos I found online (no photo credits this time).

We left the chapel and began our drive back to England. The weather held for us during our time in Edinburgh but rain has returned and looks to stay for the time we allotted for Scotland. We decided to bypass Sterling and Glasgow and instead head for drier weather.