Rosslyn Chapel, just 45 minutes outside of Edinburgh, is famous for its stunning architecture and the mysteries surrounding it. Officially known as the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew, it was founded in the mid-15th century by William Sinclair, a member of the noble Sinclair family, who were descendants of Norman knights. Originally intended as a place to honor the dead and secure spiritual favors, the chapel was part of the Sinclairs’ attempt to gain divine favor by ensuring prayers for their souls. After the Scottish Reformation, Catholic worship ceased, but the Sinclair family remained Catholic until the early 1700s.
The chapel itself is small, measuring only 12 meters tall and 21 meters long. It was originally designed to be a Gothic cathedral in the shape of a cross, but when William Sinclair died, his son decided to stop construction, leaving it as a smaller chapel instead.
What makes Rosslyn Chapel so captivating is its unusual mix of art, architecture, and symbolism. Despite being a Catholic church, it features pagan symbols, Masonic imagery, Norse references, and even depictions of fertility gods. The most famous of these is the Green Man, a symbol of nature and fertility. Another curious feature is the depiction of maize, which wasn’t discovered in Europe until after the chapel was built, leading some to speculate that the Sinclairs may have had contact with America long before Columbus.
The chapel’s connections to the Knights Templar add to its mystique. The Sinclairs were supporters of the Templars, and some of the imagery in the church suggests hidden meanings. Over the years, rumors have circulated that a secret treasure lies hidden beneath the chapel, and the Sinclair family’s silence over the contents of the vaults only fuels these theories.
The chapel gained even more attention after the release of The Da Vinci Code, with many visitors hoping to uncover hidden secrets. While no one has found any treasure, the chapel’s intricate carvings and mysterious symbols are enough to intrigue anyone. After exploring the chapel, you can wander the surrounding hills and visit the ruins of Rosslyn Castle, making it a perfect spot for a day trip.
The Sinclair family’s secrecy only adds to the allure of Rosslyn Chapel. Excavations in the 1800s revealed foundations extending beyond the chapel, and there’s a hidden chamber beneath it that the family has kept off-limits. Though the vault remains a mystery, the chapel itself is a breathtaking place to visit.
Rosslyn Chapel is open daily (except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing. Admission is £9 for adults, while children get in free. Guided tours are available throughout the day, which is a great way to learn more about the chapel’s history and mysteries. If you’re without a car, buses 37 and 40 from Edinburgh will get you there in about 45-60 minutes.
Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just love a good mystery, Rosslyn Chapel is a must-see on any visit to Scotland.
