The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly known as Holyrood Palace, is the official Scottish residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located at the foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, directly opposite Edinburgh Castle, the site has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century. It continues to function as a setting for official state entertainments, formal receptions, and royal ceremonies.
The palace complex is set within Holyrood Park and stands directly adjacent to the historic ruins of Holyrood Abbey, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1128 by King David I. Near the western entrance to the palace, former historic structures were converted into The King's Gallery, which opened in 2002 to display rotating art exhibitions from the Royal Collection.
Royal lodgings originally developed from guest quarters at the abbey before King James IV built a Gothic quadrangle palace in the early 16th century. Between 1528 and 1536, King James V added a massive rectangular tower at the northwest corner to increase security and provide new royal suites. This structure, known as James V's Tower, survives today as the oldest remaining portion of the building.
During the 1560s, the palace served as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Her apartments were the location for major political and personal events, including her audiences with John Knox and the 1566 murder of her private secretary, David Rizzio. Following significant damage over subsequent decades, the palace was extensively redesigned and rebuilt in the 1670s under Sir William Bruce, creating the symmetrical west façade and internal courtyard layout seen today.
The palace remains an active civic and royal venue. King Charles III resides at Holyroodhouse for one week at the beginning of summer to carry out official duties and state ceremonies. The property also serves as the official residence for the Lord High Commissioner during the annual General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Public tours are available throughout the year, except when members of the royal family are in residence. Visitors can view the historic 16th-century apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, as well as the grand State Apartments used for modern state occasions, alongside the adjacent abbey ruins and art gallery.
See the full Edinburgh travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.