Earl's Palace, Renaissance castle ruin in Orkney Islands, Scotland.
The palace exhibits Renaissance architecture with four wings, towers, and a turnpike staircase arranged around a central rectangular courtyard.
Robert Stewart, half-brother of Mary Queen of Scots, constructed the palace between 1569 and 1574 during his tenure as Earl of Orkney.
The palace structure includes gun holes at ground level in every wall, reflecting the defensive requirements of Scottish nobility in the 16th century.
The monument remains accessible throughout the year, allowing visitors to examine the architectural details and explore the historical foundations.
The palace fell into disuse after just 41 years when the Stewart earls lost power in 1615, leading to its rapid transformation into ruins.
Location: Orkney Islands
Location: Kirkwall and St Ola
Inception: 1601
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture
Website: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/earls-palace-birsay
GPS coordinates: 58.98053,-2.95887
Latest update: March 5, 2025 18:11
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