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Scotland is a country where one will never run out of places to visit and things to see. The Rosslyn Chapel or the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew is a very popular place among them. Brought into popular culture by Dan Brown in ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ the chapel brings in tourists from everywhere. In this article, we will try to explore it in-depth.
Brief History and Importance of Rosslyn Chapel
William Sinclair – the 1st Earl of Caithness of the Scoto-Norman Sinclair Family – was the one who built the chapel. He established it on a small hill atop Roslin Glen as a Catholic collegiate church in the 15th century. If you were unaware, this church is third on the list of Sinclair places of worship at Roslin. The first and the second ones are Roslin Castle and what is today known as Roslin Cemetery, respectively. One can still see the latter’s buttresses (though collapsing) at Roslin Cemetery even today.
Sinclair’s motive behind founding the college was to celebrate the Divine Office 24/7. He also wished to celebrate Masses for all faithfully departed individuals. These included the Sinclair family members as well. During this time, the use of plainsong or polyphony was rampant to enhance the liturgy singing. William Sinclair also decided to fund the priests and choristers forever. The priests, however, had to fulfill their parochial responsibilities.
The year 1560 saw the Catholic worship in the chapel come to an end after the Scottish Reformation occurred. The Sinclair family never deserted their Catholic beliefs until the early 18th century. But they had to stop public worship in the abbey. It was until 1861 that it reopened based on the rites of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Sacred Messengers of God:
In 1914, this place was subject to a terrorist bombing. During this period, suffragettes started bombing and arson attacks throughout the country to campaign for women’s suffrage. As a result, on 11th July, a bomb exploded inside the building.
The chapel is not pretty small. However, the intricate stone carvings on the building have brought it a lot of fame worldwide. The place is vibrant and seems to tell its story itself through these striking stone carvings. Such carvings have given rise to many conspiracy theories. We will talk about some of those later.
In those times, bees were regarded as the sacred messengers of God. Thus, a concealed beehive was made high up the roof so that the bees could come and reside there.
Secrets and Mysteries Surrounding Rosslyn Chapel:
The place has been a hot topic among mystery enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists throughout the years. It is because the place is surrounded by mystery. For example, some people believe that the chapel has the Holy Grail buried under it. They say that if we take a look at historical and religious texts, we can find evidence supporting this claim. Also, it is a fact that the church had ties with freemasonry and the Knights Templar. The members of the Knights Templar fled to Scotland after they faced a deadly uprising. For your info, the Sinclair family had close ties with these members.
Here’s another interesting fact. While the claim was long rejected, there has been enough evidence to prove the Freemason-Knights Templar tie. After fleeing their country, the knights who came to Scotland were known to reside a few miles away from Rosslyn. Thus, their known location was close to the Sinclair family’s allies.
The Da Vinci Code:
There are some people who believe that the building was indeed a hiding spot for some mysterious treasure. They believe it could have even been the Holy Grail and that the crypts and underground chambers have the answers. Some scenes from ‘The Da Vinci Code’ movie have been shot in an underground chamber here. Visitors can freely enter this chamber. Nonetheless, the building contains yet another underground crypt that has stayed sealed for centuries.
As expected, this sealed chamber has given rise to curiosity among people. Some even claim that they are certain that this chamber hides something valuable and mysterious. Unfortunately, the location of this crypt sometimes makes visitors miss it. So, remember to look straight down to the left side of the entrance. Their official website says they get flooded with one question a lot. Why not investigate the vaults and put an end to the speculation of what lies underneath? Their answer to this question is that the vaults beneath the building are burial grounds of several Barons of Rosslyn. It’s no surprise that the Earl of Rosslyn has zero intention to perturb the final resting place of his ancestors.
Moreover, they say that it would harm the chapel’s structural integrity if they conducted such an excavation. But, as we all know, the building has been restored multiple times already. So, they can’t take any such risk.
William The Cat:
Another mystery was the appearance of William the Cat. A cat, really? Yes, a cat. For many years, William was a resident and the feline guardian of the chapel. The local tour guides explained that William came from a bloodline comprised cats coming to the abbey for decades. The locals had seen William frequenting the place for over 14 years, just like his father did before him. Sometimes the cat slept on the church pews. He seemed unfazed by the hundreds of visitors who assembled inside the church every day. Other times, he was seen walking under the cherry blossom trees. Nobody could answer why the cat or his ancestors visited the church.
Interestingly, he had a home in Roslin village, and his owners used to adore and care for him. Still, William the Cat showed up day in, day out to guard the mystifying abbey. Unfortunately, the cat died last year. But it is still a mystery even today.
Let us now take a look at the exact location of this architectural wonder to make things easier for you.
Location of Rosslyn Chapel:
Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU, United Kingdom
How to Reach the Chapel?
Residing close to Edinburgh, the church stays open every day all year long save Christmas and New Year’s. The church timings are 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (6 PM in the summer). However, you got to remember that you have to enter half an hour before the church closes. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enter it at all. Adults have to pay 9 GBP as an entry fee, while kids can enter the place free of cost.
You can find six guided tours (only three on Sunday) throughout the day. Therefore, you can avail such a tour if you want answers to the many questions you have in mind. FYI, the tour schedule is subject to change. So, it would be best to check their official site for the most current schedule. If you don’t own a car, you can take either bus 37 or 40 from Edinburgh. Don’t worry. It would take about 45 to 60 minutes to reach the place, depending on the traffic.
Best Time to Visit Rosslyn Chapel
As we mentioned earlier, the chapel stays open all year long except Christmas and New Year’s. So, you can visit the church any time you want. However, if you wish to get a better view of the church’s exterior, it’s best to choose summertime. It is because, in summer, the weather is more likely to be in your favor than winter or monsoon. Additionally, summer is the perfect time of the year for exploring the grounds as well. Also, try to visit the chapel on weekday mornings to get some peace of mind. Again, it’s because, during this time, the area remains very pleasant and tranquil.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is buried under Rosslyn Chapel?
Inside the chapel, a Spartan stone crypt has given rise to many myths and legends. Some even believe that the treasure of the mythical Knights Templar is stored in a deep vault whose entrance is sealed.
- Is the Holy Grail in Rosslyn Chapel?
Some people believe that the church is home to many hidden treasures, one among them being the Holy Grail. While there has been no evidence of the Holy Grail being kept there, they still believe so.
- Was The Da Vinci Code filmed in the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew?
Yes, it was. The church was selected as a location for ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ adapted from the novel of the same name. It was chosen for its ambiance and the mysterious aura that surrounds it.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Rosslyn Chapel is one of the most popular places to visit in all of the UK. The architecture’s popularity was its amazing stone carvings and the mystery surrounding it. The mysterious vibe it emits results in it being a subject to uncountable myths, legends, and conspiracy theories. So, don’t wait any longer. Visit it ASAP to experience first-hand what it has to offer.
The “Treasure Island” is known to the world for its extraordinary natural splendor. Besides having all this scenic beauty, it maintains comfortable temperatures all year long. It is the reason why the island has become one of the most popular tourist spots ever. However, while planning a trip to this archipelagic country, people get confused about the ideal time to visit it. If you’re one of them, don’t worry. This piece will inform you about the best time to visit Maldives.
What is considered the best time to visit Maldives?
But before we explain that, it’s important to know a few things about the country. Doing so will help you plan your MV visit more efficiently.
Importance and uniqueness of Maldives
The “Treasure Island” is a gigantic island nation in the Indian Ocean. The water surrounding the island is famous for boasting many pelagic species like manta rays, whale sharks, etc. The country’s channel and pinnacle systems prove to be helpful to most dive sites. It is the reason why the waters here have become a paradise for scuba divers. The island country is a vital member of SAARC. It has a strategic position for countries like India along major sea lanes via the Indian Ocean. All the energy supplies arriving from Gulf countries to these countries pass through this region.
Let us now see some of the unique features of this country:
- Out of the 1190 islands here, only 200 are inhabited. Eighty other islands are known for hosting private, lavish resorts. The rest of the islands are either too tiny or too remote to live in. In addition to it, about 99% of the Maldivian territory is nothing but water. So, there are more than enough opportunities for exploring probable dive sites.
- It is the flattest nation on the planet. It has its highest point on Villingili Island, which is only 7 feet and 7 inches above sea level. Remember that this is the highest point of the country we’re talking about. The average ground level across the nation is only 4 feet and 11 inches.
- It is also the tiniest Muslim nation in the world. Please keep in mind that being a Muslim nation has certain rules you got to follow regarding modesty. In Male and on public islands, both men and women have to wear dresses that cover their knees and shoulders. You can only wear a bikini on liveaboards and private islands. Also, you can get alcohol only in resorts and lodges.
- It is the first nation on the planet where a governmental meeting happened underwater in 2009. The country’s cabinet held a meeting on scuba and talked about climate change. Many citizens here fear that they will go underwater if the sea levels rise too much because of climate change.
- Unlike any other nation in the world, Friday and Saturday (contrary to Saturday and Sunday) are considered weekends here.
Maldives Flights and Accommodation:
It is unfortunate that you won’t be able to avail any direct flights from the US to reach MV. So, it’s quite an unpleasant experience. But if you still want to visit the country, be ready to spend a big amount of time and cash. It would take 30+ hours and about 1,200 USD (from major international hubs like NY, LA, etc.) to reach there. If you’re on a tight budget, this might be a problem. In that case, try to go there during the low season rather than the peak season when things get cheaper.
Hotel prices in the island nation see a substantial decrease when the month of May begins. As we have observed, the weather remains good enough till that time. It is because the monsoon typically arrives in the second half of May. Plus, if you have a specific resort in mind, the off-season will surely make it more affordable. Two months are the cheapest here – May and June. It is only during these two months when you can get even over-water bungalows 50% cheaper than high season prices. However, you got to compare prices, including airfare, as they usually increase during summer breaks.
The most famed islands here get booked in advance when the high season starts. You can find flash sales and last-minute offers popping up all year long. However, they will usually be for commercial mass-market lodges. This shouldn’t be a problem if you are flexible in terms of lodging and travel dates. If you’re capable of dropping everything and traveling at any time, you can surely get an incredible deal. It is because resorts here often adjust their prices throughout the year to maximize occupancy rates. So it would be best if you make a list of your desired resorts and frequently monitor them. Maldivian resorts are scattered over numerous islands. That’s why you’d never find them too crowded, even during the high season.
Weather in Maldives throughout the year
In order to figure out the best time to visit Maldives, you should know about the weather here.
January – April
It is certainly among the nicest times to visit this country. During this time, the rain stays minimal, and you will see a bright blue sky. The tepid sunny days would feel so good. FYI, the temperature stays around 28°C that sees a slight increase to 29°C by April. Also, the ocean will be clear and calm. This makes it perfect for both snorkelers and those who just want to chill. That’s why many individuals and families prefer this time to come here.
May – September
While May – September is when the monsoon reigns supreme in this island nation, don’t be discouraged. You can still come here during this time. It’s true that rain and humidity boost over these months but remember that the island has a low ground level. That’s why rain clouds subside very fast and make the rain last a short time. While monsoon is not the best time to visit the Maldives for some, it can be for you, especially if you’re looking for the best deals and peace of mind.
October – December
The monsoon here ends in October, and the warm, dry weather comes back. During this time, the temperature stays between 30°C (low) and 20°C (high). You would also get long days of radiant sunshine. Visiting this country during this time can help you spend a nice Christmas holiday. However, it is a popular time here. So, it would be best if you opt for an early booking.
Peak season
December – March is the peak or high season in this island nation. The weather remains dry this time. So, there’s less chance that you will see rain. On the other hand, bright summer days ensure a happy and fruitful trip. However, it all comes with a price. It’s a known fact that this country is very costly no matter what time of the year. But it is nothing compared to prices that skyrocket manifold during the high season. Also, you would see the resorts being very crowded around the holidays.
Shoulder season
Both April and November are regarded as shoulder seasons here. It can be the best time to visit the Maldives for travelers wanting to get cheaper deals. Once December begins, prices will again see a boost. Also, there are high chances of rain if you travel outside of these two months.
Low season
May – October is considered the low season in this country. It’s a wet season. So, there are high chances of rain during this time. However, as we already mentioned, this season can be beneficial for you if you’re looking for cheaper airfare and lodging. While it might rain at any time, you can still enjoy it. Remember that rain will have no impact on diving, snorkeling, or marine life.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Peak and Off Seasons:
Both peak and off seasons have their own benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of them:
Peak season
Advantages
- The weather remains dry during this season. Most of the time, the blue sky and bright sunny days would be your friend. So, there are fewer chances of rain spoiling your plans.
- The ocean waters stay calm and are very clear, resulting in excellent visibility. This can be very helpful to divers and snorkelers.
- The average water temperature stays around 30°C. Therefore, it is the finest month for swimming.
Disadvantages
- The airfare, lodging, and other prices see a manifold rise during the high or peak season.
- This is a very popular time. So, it is natural that the area remains crowded, and there’s less scope for spending a tranquil time.
Off-season
Advantages
- As it is not a popular time and many people like to avoid it, you’d get flight tickets and lodging at much cheaper rates.
- The waves in the sea become bigger this time. So, it proves to be beneficial for surfing, of course, in the presence of the right gear.
- As the area does not stay too crowded, you can enjoy the tranquility and have peace of mind.
Disadvantages
- The weather remains wet and humid during this time. So, there are more chances of rain ruining your plans and you being forced to stay indoors.
- As the sea no longer stays calm and the waves become bigger, the off-season is inimical to swimmers.
Best Time to Visit Maldives for Diving and Water Sports
Apart from the wet and dry seasons, there’s a certain time of the year when water sports are most popular. These include scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and so on. If you are a sucker for adventure, it would be better if you plan your trip between February and November. During this time, the waters get choppier and wave bigger. However, if you’re looking for calmer waters and slower activities, the better time would be between December and January. This time is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, etc. Also, the visibility is best between December and January for activities like scuba diving and snorkeling.
Best time to visit Maldives of bioluminescence
As we all know, the ‘Treasure Island” is famous for bioluminescent plankton. These organisms naturally glow in the dark and make the entire beach light up. This creates a magical sight that is sure to enchant all viewers. This wonderful natural occurrence is best viewed between the months of June and October, when more plankton is around. That is true in the case of Vaadhoo Island, which is the abode of the glowing beach.
The worst time to visit
We have told you about the best time to visit the Maldives above. So, what’s the worst time? Many travelers feel that August is the worst because of its position in the exact middle of the monsoon. Also, October is regarded as the wettest month here. Thus, avoiding these two months could prove beneficial for your trip.
Events
In November, hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks gather to eat the plankton found in Baa Atoll. Also, you can witness the natural bioluminescence event between June and October on moonlit nights. Besides that, two unique festivals that provide great cultural insights also happen between October and November. These are National Day (17th to 18th October) and Republic Day (11th November). While National Day sees military parades, flag hoisting, etc., Republic Day is celebrated with numerous Maldivian Dishes. Some of these dishes are Masroshi, Huni Hakuru Folhi, etc. Try to be a part of these events to boost your overall trip experience.
Conclusion
As you can see, the best time to visit Maldives varies from person to person. Hence, identify your needs and refer to this article to decide what time is perfect for you. Then, plan your trip accordingly. Happy journey!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Which month is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November and April are the finest months to get cheaper deals as December – March is the high season here. But remember, you should decide your most ideal time depending on your specific needs.
- When should you not go to “Treasure Island”?
Both August and October months are known for being awfully wet. So, try to avoid these months for a more fruitful trip.
- What is the cheapest month for a Maldives trip?
The wet season, especially May to August, is the cheapest as most people dislike coming to this country.