Edinburgh Castle has dominated its surroundings for many centuries. Today the castle continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Edinburgh’s Castle rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years and in 1566 Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI in the royal palace within the castle, of great significance as in 1603 James VI became James I of England - the ‘Union of the Crowns’.
The City of Edinburgh grew outwards from the Castle rock, and the first houses in Edinburgh were built on the area in front of Edinburgh Castle, which is now known as the Lawnmarket, and then the house building continued down the High Street and The Cannongate towards the Royal Palace of Holyrood House. These streets collectively form a single street known as The Royal Mile. The Royal Mile acquired its name over the ages as Scottish and English kings, queens and royalty in general, have travelled to and fro between the Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle - hence the name The Royal Mile.
Just a few hundred yards down from the castle you will conveniently find Brodies Hostel www.brodieshostel.co.uk we pride ourselves on the home from home environment and friendly atmosphere in the heart of the Royal Mile. Let our staff help you plan your visit to the castle and the rest of your day.
Once again Brodies is offering superbly priced accommodation packages for Hogmanay 2010/2011! Book your spot early, so as to make sure you don’t miss out!
April 23rd is La Diada de Sant Jordi. It has been Catalonia’s own form of Valentine’s Day since the Middle Ages and it is traditional to give a rose and a book to a loved one to celebrate the event. The legend says that St George slew a terrifying dragon, saved the gorgeous princess and gave her a red rose that grew up from the blood spilt from the dragon. Thousands of stands selling dragon’s blood red roses, decorated with the red and yellow Catalan colours and improvised bookstalls are speedily set up for the day all over Catalonia. Street performers and musicians add a romantic ambience to nearly every public square and plaza. Come to Barcelona on the 23rd of April and join in the transformation of Barcelona into a city of festivity.
Brodies estuvo en Barcelona
Sant Jordi en Barcelona: El día del Libro y de la Rosa El 23 de abril es un día muy concurrido en Barcelona. Las calles atestadas de gente comprando libros y flores en los puestos provisionales montados desde muy temprano por la mañana hasta entrada la noche ha convertido el 23 de abril en el día más apreciado y más celebrado de todos los catalanes. Cuenta la leyenda que en Montblanc habitaba un dragón que tenía a la población sumida en el terror. Para apaciguar al monstruo, se sacrificaba una persona escogida al azar. Se cuenta que en dicho sorteo salió el nombre de la princesa del reino para el sacrificio. Este día se celebra que Sant Jordi se enfrentó al dragón y lo mató, la princesa fue liberada y la tradición agrega que de la sangre derramada del dragón, creció una rosa roja que Sant Jordi entregó a la princesa. Desde aquel entonces, en el día de Sant Jordi, la costumbre es que los hombres regalen a las mujeres una rosa, y las mujeres un libro a los hombres por alusión a la leyenda popular. Visite Barcelona el 23 de abril y disfrute la transformación de Barcelona en una ciudad de festejos.
Brodies va à Barcelone
Saint-Jordi à Barcelone : Le jour du Livre et de la Rose Le 23 avril est un jour chargé à Barcelone. Pendant le jour du festival de printemps de Saint-Jordi, des cadeaux sont échangés entre chéris. Les hommes offrent des roses aux femmes et les femmes donnent des livres comme cadeaux. Ce jour est aussi connu sous le nom « Dia del Llibre » (Jour du Livre). Les rues pleines de gens qui s’affolent autour des stands vendant livres et fleurs de bon matin jusqu'à tard le soir. Ce festival a fait du 23 avril un jour fondamental, le plus partagé et célébré de tout Catalans. Ce festival marque le jour quand Saint-Jordi tua l’horrible dragon afin de libérer la princesse. Le sang jaillissant du dragon se changea en une rose que Jordi donna à la princesse secourue. Cette histoire a été depuis le Moyen-âge, la propre St-Valentin des Catalans où l’homme Catalan pour prouver son amour offre à sa bien-aimée une rose rouge. Venez à Barcelone le 23 avril et participé à la transformation de Barcelone en une ville de fête.
Perfectly located on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, our historic building has been sympathetically converted to form spacious dormitory accommodation for budget travellers. With our relaxed old world feel, home-from-home atmosphere and with pubs, clubs and history right on the doorstep, Brodies is the best place to stay in Edinburgh for backpackers.
Every year Iain, our Hostel Manager, adorns his “bob the Builder outfit” to project manage the refurbishment of the hostel. In January 2010, Brodies had a major overhaul of all the bathrooms, toilets, common areas and bedrooms. The refurbishment has recently finished with the final phase of soft furnishings so after a hard day it’s always nice to know you can relax in a clean home-from-home environment, quietly nestled in the heart of Royal Mile. Please let us help plan your trip and stay with us at Brodies Hostels www.brodieshostels.co.uk
