Mary King's Close, Underground alley from 1600s in Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Mary King's Close comprises multiple preserved streets beneath the Royal Mile, featuring original rooms and passageways from Edinburgh's past centuries.
The site remained inhabited until 1902, when the Chesney family, who operated a saw-making business, left their underground home following a mandatory purchase order.
The alley earned its name from Mary King, a determined merchant who traded fabric in the 1630s and established her business within these narrow streets.
Located beneath the City Chambers building, the close offers guided tours with characters portraying residents through reserved time slots throughout the day.
Every weekend, guides demonstrate medical practices from the 1600s, including the examination of urine samples as performed by physicians of that period.
Location: City of Edinburgh
Inception: 2003
Website: http://realmarykingsclose.com
GPS coordinates: 55.95011,-3.19069
Latest update: September 23, 2025 13:13
This collection features some of the strangest locations globally associated with ghost stories and supernatural occurrences. Historical sites, former homes, and other settings hold significant associations with eerie tales, especially during the Halloween season when legends of spirits and hauntings are often discussed.
St Giles' Cathedral
75 m
Heart of Midlothian
77 m
Parliament House
105 m
Mercat Cross
64 m
The Real Mary King's Close
23 m
Edinburgh City Chambers
28 m
Thistle Chapel
75 m
Edinburgh, West Parliament Square, Statue Of Fifth Duke Of Buccleuch
94 m
Alexander and Bucephalus
26 m
Equestrian statue of Charles II
99 m
Statue of Margaret Tudor
60 m
Edinburgh, 7 Cockburn Street
66 m
Edinburgh, 174 - 180 High Street
91 m
Edinburgh, 14 Market Street, Public House
88 m
Edinburgh, 9, 10, 11 Market Street, St Christopher's Hotel
94 m
Edinburgh, 40 Cockburn Street
106 m
Edinburgh, 42, 44, 46 Cockburn Street
113 m
Edinburgh, 41 Cockburn Street
97 m
Edinburgh, 186 High Street
85 m
Edinburgh, 15, 16 And 17 Market Street, Public House
77 m
Edinburgh, 6 Cockburn Street
55 m
Edinburgh, Market Street, Police Call Box
109 m
Edinburgh, 22-26 St Giles Street
79 m
Edinburgh, 1 Cockburn Street
79 m
Edinburgh, High Street, 3 K6 Telephone Kiosks
98 m
Edinburgh, 35, 37 Cockburn Street
90 m
Edinburgh, 21 Cockburn Street
68 m
Edinburgh, St Giles' Street, Telephone Call Box
101 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes