Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Calton Hill is an elevated landmark in central Edinburgh, and its slopes gather monuments, historic buildings, and broad city views. The hill forms part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and scenes of the city from here have long appeared in photographs and paintings. The most startling story belongs to the City Observatory at the summit.

In 1787, Robert Barker created the world’s first panorama after walking on the hill: an immersive 360 degree view of Edinburgh seen from the observatory tower. That makes this landscape the birthplace of a visual format designed to surround its audience. Look toward the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument, all visible landmarks on the hill.

The old Royal High School, the Robert Burns Monument, the Political Martyrs’ Monument, and the City Observatory add to the group. On the steep southern slope, St Andrew’s House serves as the headquarters of the Scottish Government, while the Scottish Parliament Building and Holyrood Palace stand near the foot. The Old Calton Burial Ground occupies the south-western side.

David Hume is buried there beneath a tomb marked only with the years 1711 and 1776, while the Political Martyrs’ Monument commemorates five reformers sent to Botany Bay after convictions for sedition. Calton Hill combines a remarkable view with an equally remarkable history of seeing itself.