In a city as stunning as Edinburgh, it pays to looks up every once in a while - there's a whole world of intriguing features and architectural details above our heads that seldom gets the attention it deserves.
Even if you've lived in the capital your entire life, there's always something new to discover in this wonderful city of ours - but it's not necessarily going to be right in front of your nose.
We're all guilty of ignoring the beauty that exists above us, but the good news is it's easy to change your ways. Next time you're up the town, take a moment to tilt your head back and cast your eyes skywards to see some of Edinburgh's finest sights.
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Waverley Station's domed roof
Completed in 1902, the booking hall at Waverley Station is one of the most beautiful interiors in all the city. The booking hall's elaborate glass dome and ceiling panels with their fine wrought ironwork are truly a sight to behold.
Forsyth sphere
Princes Street is home to many gorgeous buildings, but this skyline feature is all too often ignored by the throngs of shoppers on the thoroughfare below. The Forsyth sphere dates from the Edwardian era and was designed as the finial of the former RW Forsyth department store, which closed in 1981. Flanked by golden cherubs, the sphere displays the signs of the zodiac in bronze. It's best appreciated from the upper levels of the Scott Monument.
Golden Boy
Edinburgh University has many golden boys and girls pass through its historic doors down the generations, but only one enjoys permanent residency. The Figure of Youth, locally known as Golden Boy, sits atop the dome of the Old College and depicts a young male athlete carrying a torch of learning. The life-sized statue is gilded and gleams beautifully on sunny days in the capital.
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Devil cat
One of Edinburgh's most curious sculptures sits atop a gable of Ramsay Garden adjacent the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. The statue was designed as a devil, but looks more like a cat with its tail curled and has attracted many a puzzled glance from keen-eyed passers-by down the decades. Very strange indeed!
Thistle Chapel ceiling
The interior of St Giles' Cathedral is truly stunning, but the Thistle Chapel is something else altogether. We could spend hours in there staring at the absolutely gorgeous ceiling, which features a rich array of ornamental stonework and expertly-carved oak details and a number of interesting panels.
Gleneagles Townhouse statues
Built as the British Linen Bank, the Gleneagles Townhouse on St Andrew Square is one of Edinburgh's top hotels and boasts a magnificent frontage. Of particular note are the Corinthian columns and the six statues which represent navigation, commerce, manufacture, agriculture, science and architecture. What's great is the fact you can now view the statues up close from the hotel's rooftop bar.
Dundas House ceiling
Staying on St Andrew Square, interiors don't come much better than that of Dundas House, which is long been home to the Royal Bank of Scotland. What is now the main banking hall features a spectacular star-studded ceiling that is guaranteed to take your breath away. We can think of worse places to withdraw a tenner.
Let Glasgow Flourish
Who would have ever thought there was a tribute to Glasgow in the centre of Edinburgh? Believe it - the Glasgow coat of arms can be seen on a building at the west side of the Grassmarket. The building housed the Glasgow Savings Bank at one time and this is a reminder of those days.
St Mary's Cathedral ceiling
Seeing that it was built way back in 1879, it's hard to believe that St Mary's Cathedral at the West End is still the tallest building in Edinburgh. Naturally, such an important structure is going to boast a jaw-dropping interior and this particular landmark certainly doesn't disappoint. The stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings are absolutely out of this world and well worth a visit.
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