Remnants of the 16th-century defensive wall still stand unassumingly within Edinburgh.

This otherwise ordinary close on the Royal Mile constituted the end of the world for Edinburgh’s poorest residents.

This 16th-century close preserves an unusual piece of Edinburgh's transportation history.

The location of a citizen uprising that led to a gruesome act of mob justice.

This charming old building's loose connection with the Scottish Reformer is what saved it from demolition after it split apart.

Protecting the dead from opportunistic body snatchers.

The tomb of one of Scotland's bloody historic villains is a magnet for bumbling desecrators.

The most loyal of little dogs, or a Victorian era publicity stunt?

The dance of this huge clock is a magnificent and eerie commentary on good and evil in the history of humankind.

Tiny effigies of the victims of Edinburgh's famous Anatomy Murders.

There are plenty of wonderful panoramic vistas in Edinburgh, but not many are hidden smack in the middle of the Old Town.

This monument is dedicated to a young boy who survived a disaster that forced Edinburgh to reevaluate its building codes.

The taxidermy remains of the first mammal ever cloned from an adult cell are on display in Edinburgh.

This early version of the guillotine was used to execute the man responsible for its construction.

A quartet of brightly colored mythical beasts stand sentry at this gateway.

Touching this 18th-century Scottish philosopher’s toe allegedly conjures good fortune.

A sweet symbol marks the place where torturous executions were once carried out.

17th century streets hidden under Edinburgh were once a breeding ground for the black death.

The artwork mysteriously appeared within an Edinburgh cemetery.

A statue in the heart of Edinburgh honors a bear that served in the Polish military during World War II.

A six-ton wedding present for the King of the Scots.

Overlooked by many, the two famous Scottish warriors guard the main gate of Edinburgh Castle.

The fountain marks the area where hundreds of accused witches were burned at the stake.

This historic timepiece was a popular meeting place for romantic rendezvous in the 1960s.