Panorama taken inside the Chapel Royal of Stirling Castle. The picture shows some of the tapestries that adorn the chapel walls.

Stirling Castle - Chapel Royal - Stirling visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Stirling Castle - Chapel Royal' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Stirlingshire.

The original Chapel Royal lined the northern side of the Inner Close and is one of the highlights of Stirling Castle. It was built by King James IV in 1501 between the Great Hall and the Old King's Building. Mary was crowned Queen of Scots here in 1543. James VI had the chapel rebuilt as a suitable christening place for his son, Prince Henry, who was born in 1594. The old chapel was torn down and replaced with the current Chapel Royal in one year, with the new building being built slightly to the north to improve access to the Great Hall.

In 1633, Charles I visited Scotland, coming to Stirling and staying at the castle. The interior of the Chapel Royal was heavily decorated by the artist Valentine Jenkins in preparation for this royal visit. After this the Royal Chapel was used as a barracks and canteen, with an extra floor being installed. Restoration works carried out since the 1930's, finally completed in 1996 to the condition and decoration that King Charles I would have found it about 400 years ago. On the walls of the chapel hang a number of tapestries. These are destined for the refurbished Royal Palace and were woven in the Tapestry Studio in the Nether Bailey.

Behind the Chapel Royal is the Douglas Garden.

Stirling Castle
Esplanade,
Stirling, FK8 1EJ

The route to Stirling Castle is marked along back streets ascending through the Old Town to the Esplanade in Stirling. Parking available at the end of the Esplanade. Stirling Castle is managed by Historic Scotland and entrance is ticketed.