Rosslyn Chapel

From Rome, the nurse of science and arts
Lo! Architecture all her power imparts
Steals from each temple every tempting form
And robs St. Peter’s, Roslin to adorn
James Alves, The Banks of the Esk, 1800

Situated in the little town of Roslin, just outside of Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel is a sight well worth visiting.  Made famous by The Da Vinci Code, the chapel has become a pilgrimage spot for fans of the book.  However, those visiting should remember at least this one fact: Work on the chapel began before Da Vinci was even born and ended just shortly after his own training was completed.  His influence on this chapel would be slim to nil, the latter being logically more likely since his "genius" would not have reached Scotland in time.  

Beyond The Code, there are many other legends connected with the chapel, very few are probably true, but as you look around at the imagery and works of art you can see how they may have come about…and maybe make up a few of your own.

Rosslyn is hard to describe in all its beautiful intricacies, so I will use pictures to give you a glimpse of Rosslyn's beauty.

The famous Master (left) and Apprentice (right) Pillars.  

According to legend, an apprentice stonemason carved this pillar after being inspired by a dream while his master was away studying the original of the other pillar.  When the master returned, he was furious and killed the apprentice on the spot.

The gravestone of William Sinclair who died in Spain while on a pilgrimage to take the heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land.  The stone underneath claims that he was a Knight Templar, when, in truth, he was simply a Crusader.  Yes, there is a difference and often a big one.

A Green Man.  

One of over a hundred green men carvings decorating the chapel.

Another glimpse of the Apprentice Pillar.

 

The best time to visit the chapel is usually first thing in the morning before the tours and fans arrive.  Have fun.  Explore, but be respectful.  This chapel is still in use and even tourists will use this as quiet place to rest and reflect before moving on to their more hectic schedules.








One final note, there are lots of rumors running around that the chapel was built by Templars or has some connection to them.  However, the Templars "died out" over 100 years before the chapel was built.  The militaristic symbolism in the chapel is just a easily Crusader as Templar.  Another reason to doubt the association is simply the Sinclairs themselves.  They were loyal supporters of the King and the Pope and many of them married.  All three points disqualified them as Templars who believed in chastity and loyalty to the order alone.

Please do not use any of these pictures without permission.