Greyfriars Kirk

About

Greyfriars Kirk, founded in 1620, stands as Edinburgh’s oldest post‑Reformation church and a treasured historic monument in the city’s Old Town. Nestled at 26A Candlemaker Row, the church’s distinctive survival‑Gothic architecture is complemented by Baroque elements and a rich heritage that includes the signing of the National Covenant, the graves of notable Scottish figures, and a museum that houses a National Covenant copy and Greyfriars Bobby memorials. Visitors can explore the vast church interior, its early stained‑glass windows, and the adjacent Greyfriars Kirkyard on guided Kirk Tours. Beyond worship, Greyfriars has long been a vibrant cultural venue, hosting free Thursday concerts, Gaelic worship, midweek prayers, and special events such as the annual ‘Greyfriars @ 12’ series. The Kirk’s welcoming ethos is reflected in its community outreach projects – including the Grassmarket Community Project, Greyfriars Charteris Centre, and a range of volunteer opportunities. Visitors are encouraged to stop by between 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays and to attend Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. We welcome families, history enthusiasts, music lovers and anyone interested in Scotland’s spiritual and artistic heritage. A suggested visit of about two hours offers time to attend a service, admire the architecture, view museum artefacts, and walk the kirkyard.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 2 hours