Political Martyrs' Monument
Political Martyrs' Monument, Monument on Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
The Political Martyrs' Monument is an obelisk built from sandstone blocks on a square base located on Calton Hill in Edinburgh. The structure rises prominently above the surrounding area with inscriptions carved into each of its four faces.
The monument was constructed in 1844 to honor five reformers who fought for voting rights and democratic representation during the early 1800s. Their imprisonment became a symbol of resistance to the political restrictions of that era.
The inscriptions carved into the stone faces reflect the political beliefs that these reformers fought to promote during their time. Walking around the base allows visitors to read the words that define what they stood for.
The monument can be visited at any time of year without paying any admission fees or needing advance booking. The paths leading up Calton Hill are accessible on foot and offer views across Edinburgh while you climb.
A smaller replica was built in London's Nunhead Cemetery in 1852, showing how the influence of this Scottish memorial spread to England. The London version stands at half the height and uses the same obelisk design.
Location: City of Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
GPS coordinates: 55.95340,-3.18584
Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42
Balmoral Hotel
248 m
St Andrew's House
115 m
Old Calton Cemetery
15 m
Dugald Stewart Monument
149 m
North Bridge
231 m
City Observatory
228 m
Governor's House
45 m
Regent Bridge
93 m
General Register House
218 m
General Post Office
147 m
Waterloo Hotel
98 m
Portuguese cannon
214 m
Equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington
208 m
Scottish-American Soldiers' Monument
22 m
Vue Edinburgh
137 m
Playfair's Monument
233 m
Edinburgh, Waterloo Place, Old Calton Burial Ground, North Section
80 m
Edinburgh, Waterloo Place, Old Calton Burial Ground, Hume Monument
22 m
King's Own Scottish Borderers Memorial
237 m
Edinburgh, 5-7 Regent Road, Royal High School, Gate Lodge
247 m
Edinburgh, Calton Hill, Observatory House
188 m
Regent Road, K6 Telephone Kiosk
206 m
Edinburgh, Calton Hill, Rock House
105 m
Edinburgh, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 Waterloo Place
111 m
Edinburgh, Regent Road, Retaining Wall
106 m
Edinburgh, 39 Jeffrey Street
246 m
North Bridge foundation stone & war monument
253 m
Railings And Pier, Vaults, Wall, Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh
224 mVisited 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