Overview
The abbey was founded in 1128 and the palace attached itself to the guest range over the following centuries; the roofless nave beside the state apartments is what survives of it. In Mary’s rooms, a plaque marks where her secretary Rizzio was stabbed 56 times in front of her by a party led by her husband, which is the sort of detail the building does not soften. The Great Gallery holds 96 portraits of Scottish kings painted to order in two years by one artist, most of them invented.
Highlights
The abbey ruin and the garden are included and less crowded than the apartments. Combine with the Scottish Parliament opposite, which is free and architecturally the opposite argument. Closed to visitors when the court is in residence, usually late June.