Guide Megan Finlay inside The Lady Chapel, which featured in The Da Vinci Code (Image: PA)
Let there be light!
The most mysterious and magical chapel on earth – largely unknown until it became the star of blockbuster The Da Vinci Code – has been illuminated so guests can see its wonders.
Practically every stone surface inside and outside Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin, Scotland, features intricate carvings. Newly refurbished lighting will allow visitors to see more of the detailed stone work.
The myths and legends surrounding this historic chapel have made it famous worldwide.
After Rosslyn Chapel was featured in author Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and again in the big screen adaptation it has become a Mecca for fans.
The beautiful 15th-century chapel, just outside Edinburgh, is known for its exquisite carvings and the mysterious symbolism contained within its ornate stonework including the Apprentice Pillar and the atmospheric crypt, all prominently featured in the film.
Audrey Tautou and Tom Hanks (Image: File)
Known to locals as a “treasure in stone” it served as a pivotal setting in the 2006 mystery thriller film starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, and directed by Ron Howard, and based on Dan Brown’s 2003 novel of the same name.
Although the chapel came to worldwide prominence because of the movie it has inspired, attracted and intrigued writers, artists and visitors for generations.
In the story of The Da Vinci Code, the main characters, Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu, investigate a murder in the Louvre and, in doing so, follow a set of clues to unravel a mystery to find the Holy Grail, taking them to London and then to Rosslyn Chapel.
Mr Brown 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 took more than 40 years to build and was incomplete when Sir William St Clair, the founder, died in 1484.
The Lady Chapel illuminated in all its glory (Image: PA)