Rosslyn Chapel – The Apprentices Pillar

Rosslyn Chapel Edinburgh: A Must-Visit Historic Gem Near the Capital

A lot of our customers start their journey travelling through Edinburgh and we are often asked for suggestions of places to visit enroute to collect their motorhome hire in Scotland. For customers coming from Edinburgh, I would highly recommend Rosslyn Chapel.

Rosslyn Chapel in Edinburgh is the most amazingly beautiful carvel chapel – it is a truly breathtaking visit. It was founded in 1446 as a place of worship and to this day, weekly services take place.

The chapel has been restored a few times throughout its history, the latest being in 1995 where a major conservation project was undertaken to restore and preserve the chapel for future generations.

The chapel became an increasingly popular destination to visit following the 2003 DaVinci Code where the chapel was used as a film location.
 

The Apprentices Pillar

There are plenty of stories and tales the Rosslyn Chapel Edinburgh holds but the most famous is the Apprentices Pillar. Not all the carvings within the chapel’s walls have a happy ending such as that of the Apprentices pillar.

The two elaborately decorated pillars pictured above are the master masons on the left and the one on the right is the Apprentice’s pillar. It is one of the most famous pillars because of the story that goes with the making of these pillars.
 

History

The story of the pillar involves the master mason and his apprentice. Master Mason was carving the left pillar. But before attempting to carve the pillar on the right, he decided to travel to Europe to seek inspiration from similar designs as he was dissatisfied with the pillar he had created. 

In his master's absence, which was said to be a few years, the apprentice driven by a vision of the pillar, carved the pillar himself - the results of which you see today.

When the master mason returned and saw the masterpiece which the apprentice had created, he flew into a jealous rage and struck the apprentice with a mallet, killing him outright. 
 

You will see carvings of the head of the mason and his apprentice around the chapel. The head above the apprentice’s pillar is said to be that of the master mason, who was hanged for his crime. However, other masons felt this was not punishment enough, so they carved the master mason’s head to make it look down on the outstanding work of the Apprentice’s pillar.

The apprentice's head is also carved into the walls and is said to have a gash in the carving of his head as a memorial to the young apprentice.
 

The craftsmanship and significance of Rosslyn Chapel Edinburgh

The carving of the Apprentice Pillar is significant because it appears to combine two theories. The first theory is that it represents the mythical tree of life which is a source of eternal and infinite life. 

Then the second theory is that the eight carved dragons winding around its base, is Scandinavian mythology that the dragons live at the roots of the Yggdrasil tree, an ash tree which bound together heaven, earth, and hell with its branches. The precise meaning is unknown and has teased many people over the last 500 years.
 

The beauty of this building is not just inside but also on the outside. The gargoyle drainpipes are designed in such a way to protect the buildings features. When renovating, they found beehives inside, hidden within two of the hollowed pinnacles. 

Rosslyn Chapel Edinburgh is definitely worth a visit to experience the workmanship of the master masons. This is a truly remarkable building in Scotland.
 

A Must-Visit Spot Before Your Motorhome Adventure

On the way to picking up your campervan hire from Scottish Tourer, Rosslyn Chapel Edinburgh is something that you shouldn’t miss out. With the history and craftsmanship it has, you can learn more about the past while appreciating the work of the masons.

If you want more suggestions on the best spot to visit when touring Scotland, make sure to explore our suggested driving routes. You can also contact us if you have any request or inquiry about our campervan hire or routes. 

Our team is here to provide an excellent service to help you create an unforgettable adventure!