Witches' Well, Memorial fountain near Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh, Scotland
The bronze memorial fountain features a snake entwining the heads of Hygeia and Aesculapius, along with foxglove plants and healing hands motifs.
Between 1479 and 1722, over 4000 people, primarily women, were executed at this location during Scotland's witch persecution period.
Sir Patrick Geddes commissioned the fountain in 1894, with artist John Duncan incorporating Greek mythology and medicinal symbolism into the design.
The memorial stands on the wall of the former Castlehill Reservoir building, near Edinburgh Castle's main entrance on the Royal Mile.
The Roman numerals inscribed on the fountain mark the beginning and end dates of witch trials in Scotland, spanning 243 years.
Location: Edinburgh
Address: Edinburgh EH1 2ND
GPS coordinates: 55.94890,-3.19643
Latest update: May 12, 2025 16:35
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
48 m
Camera Obscura
53 m
The Hub
26 m
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
39 m
Ramsay Garden
33 m
Edinburgh, 356 Castlehill, Cannonball House
18 m
St Columba's-by-the-Castle
88 m
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
65 m
Boswell's Court
50 m
Statue of Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany
91 m
Statue of John Knox
116 m
Whisky Museum
36 m
Edinburgh, Mound Place, Lister House
90 m
Edinburgh, 354 Castlehill, Castlehill School
35 m
Monument to Colonel Mackenzie
61 m
Edinburgh, 3 - 10 Ramsay Garden
56 m
78th Highlanders Memorial
33 m
Edinburgh, 555 Castlehill, Reservoir
26 m
Scottish Horse Memorial, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
76 m
Edinburgh, 1, 1a And 2 Ramsay Garden
56 m
3 Ramsay Lane, Edinburgh
55 m
Edinburgh, 11 And 12 Ramsay Garden
42 m
Edinburgh, 1 Mound Place
86 m
Edinburgh, 15 Johnston Terrace, Public Health Chambers
91 m
Edinburgh, 16 Johnston Terrace
36 m
Edinburgh, 66 - 68 Grassmarket
120 m
Edinburgh, 1 Ramsay Lane
49 m
Edinburgh, 13, 14, 15 And 16 Ramsay Garden
29 mReviews
Visited 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