Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

The next stop made in Scotland was at Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. This little town is just outside of Edinburg to the north. Part of the Abbey was destroyed and rebuilt, while the other part miraculously remained undamaged.

I don't remember the reason why I picked this as a stop to make, but I'm glad I did. The parish church was beautiful, with the prettiest stained glass windows I've seen.

 It was a quiet day during our visit, so a wonderful tour guide gave us the history and details of the Abbey's existence, as well as some interesting Scottish history. It was quite fun.


Sadly, the medieval part of the Abbey was closed for the day. Our tour guide was kind enough to open the doors and let us take a quick peak. We couldn't wander through it, but we did get to snap a few pictures. It was big and grand, just as you imagine all those old cathedrals to be. The Scottish people are the friendliest.

The rest the grounds around the Abbey are beautifully kept, as all cemeteries are. It's always great to visit a beautiful place when there are no tourists around. Tourists are the worst.

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I did learn that there is specific meaning to the statues that are beautifully sculpted on the tombs of those buried in these ancient churches.













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If the figure is portrayed with their legs crossed in any manner, that signifies they at one point were part of a religious crusade. If their legs are depicted uncrossed, they did not participate in a holy crusade. I never knew.









Directly across the beautifully manicured grass from the Abbey are the ruins of Dunfermline Palace. While they aren't much to look at now, (and it was closed so we couldn't wander through what actually remained) you can easily imagine the beautiful haven it was for the monarchy. I'd love to go back again to this quiet part of the world some day.