The Da Vinci Code is one of the most well-known novels of the 21st century, having sold more than 80 million copies worldwide and been adapted into a big-budget Hollywood film starring Tom Hanks.
Written by American author Dan Brown, it follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they investigate a murder in the Louvre Museum. The story sees them travel around France, as well as London, as they seek to uncover a religious conspiracy.
Those familiar with the novel or the film will know that its dramatic conclusion is set in Scotland, just outside of Edinburgh. In the picturesque village of Roslin in Midlothian lies Rosslyn Chapel, where Langdon and Neveu at last learn the truth.
The chapel dates back to the 15th century, when it was founded as a family chapel by Sir William St Clair. It fell into a period of disrepair after the Reformation, though was rededicated in 1862 following a period of Victorian repair and restoration.
To this day, services continue to be held weekly and visitors far and wide come to marvel at its architecture, which is considered to be among the finest in Scotland.
Rosslyn Chapel is perhaps best known for its mysterious and ornate stonework, which has puzzled historians and artists for centuries. Among the highlights are angels, human faces referred to as the 'Green Men', and the famous Apprentice Pillar, which is decorated with vines that climb up the column in a helix pattern.
According to the Rosslyn Chapel website, Brown always intended to set the climax of his novel in the chapel. He reportedly said: "When I decided to write The Da Vinci Code, I knew that its finale would have to take place at the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth — Rosslyn."
Rosslyn Chapel's popularity amongst tourists skyrocketed following the release of The Da Vinci Code film in 2006, which filmed on-location at the chapel itself for the interior scenes. However, the aerial view of the chapel was instead of a one-sixth scale model due to the fact that it was under scaffolding at the time of filming.
Hanks and his co-star Audrey Tautou, who portrayed Langdon and Neveu respectively, spent days filming in the chapel. The former even said it "was all one could imagine or hope for".
After the film was released, Rosslyn Chapel saw tens of thousands of visitors who were keen to see it for themselves.
Regardless of whether you are a Da Vinci Code fan, Rosslyn Chapel is well worth seeing. However, it is important to note that photography and filming is strictly prohibited inside the chapel.
More information can be found on the Rosslyn Chapel website.
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