Edinburgh Sights

Old Calton Burial Ground

#9 of 424 things to do in Edinburgh

#19 of 2657 other sights in Europe

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: history

  • Address
    • Waterloo Pl
  • Transport
    • all Princes St buses
  • Hours
    • 8am-dusk

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Lonely Planet review for Old Calton Burial Ground

One of Edinburgh’s many atmospheric old cemeteries, Old Calton is dominated by the tall black obelisk of the Political Martyrs’ Monument, which commemorates those who suffered in the fight for electoral reform in the 1790s. In the southern corner is the massive cylindrical grey stone tomb of David Hume (1711–76), Scotland’s most famous philosopher. Hume was a noted atheist, prompting rumours that he had made a Faustian pact with the devil; after his death his friends held a vigil at the tomb for eight nights, burning candles and firing pistols into the darkness lest evil spirits should come to bear away his soul.

 

Traveller reviews for Old Calton Burial Ground (1)

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    Moody and historic - good stop on the way up Calton Hill

    andy_murdock recommends this,

    I'm a fan of historic cemeteries - this may not be the biggest, but it is definitely interesting and beautiful. Many are drawn by the massive obelisk, but don't miss David Hume's grave, the somewhat surprising statue of Abe Lincoln, and the views down over Edinburgh. This is a nice short stop if you're on your way up (or down) Calton Hill.

    Good for: history

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