What secrets lie beneath the elegant facade of Bellevue, Edinburgh? Today, Bellevue stands as a testament to Edinburgh’s rich history, a blend of grand Georgian architecture and green spaces. Bellevue, however, holds more than meets the eye. Once, this district was home to the Royal Botanic Garden, a verdant escape from the city’s growing pains in 1763. Imagine strolling through the gardens, the scent of exotic blooms filling the air, as students of botany diligently took notes in the charming Botanic Cottage. This very cottage, designed by the renowned John Adam, still stands today, carefully relocated to the modern Botanic Garden, a tangible reminder of Bellevue’s botanical legacy. The Royal Botanic Garden eventually moved on, but Bellevue witnessed another spectacle – Scotland’s first zoo, the Royal Edinburgh Zoological Gardens. Picture exotic animals, a novelty in the 19th century, captivating audiences within these very streets. Sadly, the zoo’s time in Bellevue was short-lived, a mere two decades, due to cramped conditions and an unsuitable climate. Today, Bellevue’s stories are etched in its elegant crescents, like the sweeping curve of Bellevue Crescent, designed by Thomas Bonnar. As you admire the grandeur of these buildings, remember the hidden stories, whispers of botanical wonders and bygone menageries, that make Bellevue a treasure trove of Edinburgh’s past.
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