Monuments to visit Elgin

Residence of the Archbishops of Moray, Spynie Palace rose from the ground in the 12th century and remained occupied by its illustrious residents until 1686. David's Tower is the most imposing tower-house still standing in Scotland, 22 m high. The remains of the Great Hall are a reminder of its former grandeur. Although the whole site is now partly in ruins, it is still impressive and beautiful, both in its architecture and its privileged natural environment. Royalty often used this palace as a guest house.

This medieval fortress, now in ruins, belonged to the Moray family and is one of the most beautiful motte and bailey castles in the country. Mottes were common in the 12th and 13th centuries before being replaced by stone castles. These fortifications consisted of a wooden keep, placed on top of an artificial mound. Some also had an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, with additional wooden buildings. This proud castle was once one of the strongest in Scotland. It has, alas, been abandoned since 1705.