Cemeteries and memorials to visit Edinburgh

The Real Mary King's Close is a collection of alleys and underground dwellings that were in the heart of Old Town in the 17th century. They took the name of one of the daughters of the lawyer Alexander Close who owned several properties there. In the 18th century, they were partially demolished and buried during the construction of the City Chambers. It was from that moment, in the bowels of the city, that the maze entered into the darkest mysteries and legends of Edinburgh; and this, for 400 years. Archaeologists' research has made it possible to understand how some poor families have found refuge there in the face of the capital's overpopulation. It was also here that the plague patients were isolated so that they would die hidden from everyone. The evocation of the disease is then an opportunity to disentangle the true from the false and to fight many preconceived ideas. Ghost stories are legendary, such as that of a little girl named Annie who was seen by a medium and to whom many visitors still bring gifts today, or those of the many victims of the legendary murderers Burke and Hare, whom they reportedly hid before selling them to hospitals. Reopened to the public in 2003, The Real Mary King's Close lifts the veil on dark hours and cursed destinies, in a gloomy universe that does not leave anyone indifferent. The visit lasts one hour and makes sense thanks to actors in costumes for a successful immersion.

This 1620 church is not only famous for its monument to the Covenanters, the Scottish Presbyterians who fought against the imposition of the Anglican faith. Its mysterious cemetery, dotted with moss and old stones, is the final resting place of the most devoted dog in Scottish culture: Greyfriars Bobby. After the death of his owner, a policeman named John Gray, this little Skye Terrier came to sleep next to his master's remains for 14 years, until his own death in 1872. Today, the two friends are buried side by side and a statue honors the memory of faithful Bobby on George IV Bridge. More recently, other graves have been recorded as having inspired J. K. Rowling as she wrote regularly from the nearby Elephant House café. Potterheads and the curious will find the poet William McGonagall, the Potter family, and Thomas Riddell, who is believed to be the origin of Voldemort's birth name. Since the latter is often the most sought-after, we'll save you some time: once in the cemetery, go around the church and into a walled annex to George Heriot's School. The grave is at the far right.

More hidden, you will also find Sirius Black, Slughorn and Alastor Moody. If you wish, there are 100% Harry Potter tours! This is the most famous cemetery in Scotland.