Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century chapel located in the village of Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland. It is renowned for its intricate stonework and carvings, which include intricate patterns, mysterious symbols, and intriguing historical and mythical scenes.
The chapel was founded by Sir William Sinclair, who began construction in 1446, and was completed around 1484 by his son, Sir Oliver Sinclair. The chapel was originally built as a Catholic church, but it was seized by the Scottish Reformation in 1560 and fell into disrepair. It was later used as a stable and even as a powder magazine during the Napoleonic Wars.
The chapel was partially restored in the 19th century and underwent a full restoration in the mid-20th century, during which time the intricate carvings and stonework were cleaned and repaired. Today, visitors can see the chapel's many fascinating features, including the famous Apprentice Pillar, which is said to have been carved by an apprentice stonemason who was inspired by a dream.
Rosslyn Chapel gained worldwide fame after it was featured in Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code," which suggested that the chapel was the final resting place of the Holy Grail. This has led to an increase in visitors to the chapel, and it remains a popular tourist attraction to this day.