Rare glimpse inside a 580-year-old chapel that inspired The Da Vinci Code
Stunning photos offer a rare glimpse inside Rosslyn Chapel, a 580-year-old church that inspired The Da Vinci Code. Located in Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland.
Founding and revival of a medieval landmark
Rosslyn Chapel, located in Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, was founded in 1446 by Sir William St. Clair. The chapel fell into disrepair in 1650, following the Reformation, but underwent repairs after an 1842 visit from Queen Victoria. Rosslyn Chapel reopened in 1862, with Sunday services resuming under the Scottish Episcopal Church.
From Knights Templar myths to The Da Vinci Code fame
In the 1980s, theories surfaced that the chapel had a connection with the Knights Templar and Freemasonry — and it was even featured in a limited edition copy of Batman, where the titular hero discovered treasures in Rosslyn. In 2003, the chapel served as a key location in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code, before being used as a filming location in the 2006 film adaptation. The book sold over 81 million copies, and features murder investigators Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu, who follow a trail of clues which leads them to Rosslyn Chapel. Its film adaptation starred Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou – with the former stating: "Few locations in film are so delightful and few destinations live up to their billing, but Rosslyn Chapel was all one could imagine or hope for." The connections to freemasonry were made thanks to symbols in the chapel which appear to be similar to those appearing on the Knights Templar Seal — however these claims were debunked in a 2003 study by Robert L.D. Cooper, who described them as "nonsense." However, the chapel still receives visitors inspired by the novel and film – reaching 176,000 visitors at the peak of its popularity. Share your stance. Please adhere to our The Midlothian Rosslyn Chapel is a fine example of late-medieval Midlothian church architecture, but the East Lothian and West Lothian churches should not be overlooked when examining Lothian ecclesiastical destinations or you run the risk of what locals call 'Lothian specializing'. But that is not where the real Holy Grail or the tomb of Mary Magdalene, (where most of her bones are buried) is... the French spot is just as non-descript and has keeper watching it day and night. More than a five-minute stop, brings visitors out in the vicinity until you leave.
