Was this church always meant to be a place of worship? The Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, with its imposing neoclassical facade, has a secret. Designed by the Jesuit priest Fr. Richard Vaughan SJ, it was initially envisioned as a temporary sanctuary. The idea was that it could later transform into a public assembly hall. Opened in 1860, this church, nestled between the Grassmarket and Tollcross, was a beacon for the Catholic community after centuries of absence. The Reformation Parliament of 1560 had outlawed Catholicism, making this beautiful church only the second Catholic church built in Edinburgh after three centuries. Interestingly, the construction took just a year and cost a mere £5,300, a testament to the dedication of its founders. As you step inside, notice the grandeur of the space, bathed in light filtering through four lanterns. The ornate decorations, added throughout the 1860s, tell a silent story of faith’s resilience. Look up at the eight portraits adorning the barrel-vaulted ceiling, each depicting a Jesuit saint. Among them, you’ll find St. John Ogilvie, a Scottish Jesuit priest martyred in 1615. His statue, a poignant reminder of religious persecution, stands on the left side of the church, inviting contemplation.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to