There are three categories of people : Mega fans of Harry Potter books and movies; people who enjoy or simply like them, and people who have heard about them. It is why I am writing this post without fear to be accused of catering to a small clique:)

There is a profound work done before me, and I especially like these two articles: Places in Harry Potter and Hogwarts.  An image of Glenfinnan viaduct is sadly missing in both  articles ( the idea for the book “came fully formed” into J.K. Rowling mind when she was on a train). It is why I started my post with this image of the famous viaduct taken by my daughter on their Scotland trip.

Visiting Edinburgh I had Harry Potter in mind most of the time. This is my brief report of possible sources of inspiration for the beloved books, and some remarkable features of the city. To be honest, I think that everything in this city contributed to Harry Potter books, as it did to many excellent examples of literature of all times.

Doesn’t it look familiar? This is George Heriot’s School, the private school for Edinburgh’s wealthy that was founded in 1628 and (officially) inspired the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:)

So, George Heriots’ or Hogwarts?:)

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen.

Their museum is amazing. They have a few things that belonged to Mary Stuart, and a lock of her hair.

The ruins of the ancient abbey in the Palace grounds.

Another remarkable structure is this magnificent gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott.

And this is Sir Walter himself.

Camera Obscura museum, collection of optical curiosities. May be I am making a mistake telling  you that I spent half a day in this museum… These two mirrors face the street and anybody can amuse themselves at any time. I think that wizardry and illusions have lots in common.

Optical illusions. The other hand is also mine:)

The vortex bridge pictures taken without (1) and with flash (2). All the construction is spinning and makes you quite dizzy.

So it is what I was doing there: having fun. This is their page.

The best view is from the top floor of Camera Obscura building.

In the 16th century here the world ended and the Edinburgh began:)

Ghost hazard places. I bet that Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery also added to J. K. Rowling’s inspiration. I took a ghost tour to fill up on adrenaline.

Andy the Guide is telling us the story about Mackenzie ghost …

Body snatching was very popular those days… This is a security system.

There is a story about poor Bobby. People still bring him toys and pieces of wood to play with.

Here is a statue of Bobby and the pub where I ate my first haggis, neeps&tatties:)

Walking the streets. Grassmarket.

This pub is situated just across from the former execution place. The Last Drop wasn’t the name dedicated to the Alcoholics Anonymous club…

‘Half Hangit’ Maggie Dickson was hanged but survived:)

You might hate checked stuff, but it is impossible to walk away without buying one:) Hurry up, gentlemen, kilts on sale!

Kilts! Take a closer look at the guy’s compromise kilt. His seriously equipped boss wouldn’t let him walk in pants:)

That guy with the lollypop looks fun:)

No way this man would look so determined if he had just a simple pair of trousers on him. A true warrior!

Love this sweet gentleman and his doggies:)

Some foreign tourists are trying to blend in:)

Princess street Park. They have an orchestra playing there.

 

And finally, this is the place!:) As the legend tells, J. K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter novel here.

Inside the Elephant House; I didn’t eat anything there, had no time. Didn’t write anything either:)

I hope you enjoyed this virtual visit.

Photography tip of the day: When going for a photography trip, check the map for the locations in interest: you will want to know where  the sun is at a particular time of the day so you can plan your schedule.

Have a good week!