General Post Office, Category A listed post office in Edinburgh, Scotland
Description
The General Post Office sits at the corner of Waterloo Place and North Bridge with a grand sandstone facade showing Renaissance details and ornamental stonework. The building spans eight floors and includes a central atrium plus multiple rooftop gardens.
History
Construction took place from 1861 to 1865 after the old Theatre Royal was demolished, with Prince Albert attending the foundation stone ceremony. This event marked a significant moment in Edinburgh's growth as a postal center.
Culture
The building transitioned from a postal center to office space, reflecting how Edinburgh values keeping historic exteriors while transforming what happens inside.
Practical
The building now serves private office users and public access is limited to business visits. You can admire the impressive exterior from street level, and it is easy to reach from nearby bus stops.
Did you know?
Each level features its own architectural treatment, starting with the rusticated ground floor and rising to corner towers finished with large stone urns. This deliberate variety across the floors creates an evolving visual effect as you move through the building's exterior.
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