Rossend Castle, 16th-century tower house in Burntisland, Scotland
Rossend Castle is a residential tower from the 1500s located near the coast in Burntisland, Fife, featuring arched Gothic-style windows. The building combines elements from different time periods, with its basement containing older medieval stonework beneath later additions.
The structure began as the Tower of Kingorne Wester in the early 1100s and later served as a residence for an abbey official. Over the centuries, the building underwent changes that shaped its current form during the Renaissance period.
The castle's painted ceiling from the early 1600s displays detailed patterns and initials reflecting the artistic skill of its time. These decorative elements show how the residents wanted to present themselves and their wealth.
The castle sits on the Fife coast near Burntisland town center and is accessible by foot from the surrounding area. Visitor access may be limited at times, so it is worth checking conditions before planning a visit.
The painted ceiling was removed from the castle in the 1900s and now resides in a national museum where it remains on public display. This relocation helped preserve the artwork from damage while allowing scholars to study it closely.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
