Kirk of the Canongate

Kirk of the Canongate is a Presbyterian church on the Royal Mile distinguished by a Dutch-style gable and a cross-shaped floor plan. The interior shows light blue walls and features a royal pew marked with a crown emblem to indicate its special use.

King James VII commissioned the church in 1688 using funds from a bequest left by Thomas Moodie. The building arose after an earlier parish structure had been converted to serve as a chapel.

The church takes its name from the Augustinian canons who once inhabited and managed the monastery in this location. Visitors today can sense how this religious community shaped the character of the area around it.

Both the church and its cemetery are open to the public, where graves of notable figures like economist Adam Smith can be seen. The grounds offer a quiet retreat in the heart of the city with open spaces to walk through.

The building received its pipe organ in 1874, making it one of the first Church of Scotland buildings to add such an instrument. This musical addition permanently expanded the liturgical possibilities for worship at the site.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Part of: Presbytery of Edinburgh

Website: https://canongatekirk.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 55.95172,-3.17956

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:40