episode description
Edinburgh's unique coupling of medieval Old Town and classical new town, each of enormous distinction in its own right, has created a city of extraordinary richness and diversity, without parallel anywhere else in the world. Its architecture and historical importance set Edinburgh apart, and give it a uniqueness that is a consequence of its historic existence as a significant European capital from the Renaissance period. The Old Town of Edinburgh is of substantial interest in its own right. It contains two planned 12th century burgs, two early royal palaces, a medieval abbey, and a wealth of ancient buildings. The national tradition of building tall reached its climax in Edinburgh with tenements that must have been the world's tallest buildings of their age, some of which have been preserved to this day.
