Earl's Palace, Renaissance castle in Birsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland.
The stone palace consists of four wings enclosing a central courtyard, with defensive towers positioned at three of its corners.
Robert Stewart, illegitimate son of King James V and half-brother to Mary Queen of Scots, constructed this palace between 1569 and 1574.
The palace incorporates Renaissance architectural elements, including painted ceilings depicting biblical scenes and decorative wall hangings in its original state.
Visitors can access the palace grounds throughout the year without an entrance fee and explore the remaining structures of this scheduled monument.
Each wall of the palace contains gun holes at ground level, reflecting the defensive measures implemented during its construction period.
Location: Orkney Islands
Location: Birsay and Harray
Inception: 1569
GPS coordinates: 59.13000,-3.32000
Latest update: March 5, 2025 18:11
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