09/03/2026
We know this is controversial.
But what do we mean when we describe our tours as “underground”? 🤔
Edinburgh’s terrain is a confusing one, with many closes and wynds (alleyways) leading off its main streets. Bridges glue the city together and stairways lead you upstairs and down. This ground is uneven due to the natural landscape, with the city built upon an extinct volcano, and by the 18th century, the city had become overcrowded; it was time to expand outwards.
South Bridge was built in 1788 in order to connect the city over its treacherous terrain, with many merchants surrounding the bridge requiring storage space, leading to the creation of the vaults we now know today.
These could be described as subterranean as the vaults are situated INSIDE the walls of South Bridge, surrounded by many tenement buildings, meaning the only remaining visible arch of the bridge can be found on Cowgate. However, because the vaults are enclosed, below a street in which you can walk along, where there is no natural light or airflow, this location can also be classed as underground.
Due to the bridge being built using limestone (an incredibly porous stone) this resulted in damp conditions leading to damage the merchants’ stock. They were soon abandoned and despite not being designed for habitation the city’s most vulnerable residents to move in to avoid the dangers and punishments of being out on the street. With a lack of regulation, the vaults fell into ruin and became an area notorious for crime and poverty.
Edinburgh’s historic city centre can therefore be described as a lasagne, with many layers (both physically and metaphorically). You will find yourself upstairs and downstairs and there isn’t really a true “ground”. Book our tour to learn more.
