St Salvator's Chapel

Scotland's oldest university at its heart

Kennedy founded the College of the Holy Saviour with this chapel at its centre, and unusually its main door faces the street rather than the college quad, because it was meant to serve the town as well. It is a rare example of late Gothic building in Scotland. Reformers smashed the statues in the outside niches, attacked Kennedy's tomb and destroyed most of the glass, and later rebuilds in the 1680s, 1860s and 20th century gave it the interior you see today.

The PH in the cobbles

Patrick Hamilton, a young Protestant preacher, was burned outside the chapel on 29 February 1528 at the age of 24. His initials are set into the paving beneath the tower. Students avoid stepping on them, believing it will make them fail their degree; the cure is the 5am May Dip in the North Sea. A face carved on the tower is linked by local tradition to Hamilton.

Visiting

The chapel is used for university worship by students and staff, so the outside, the tower and St Salvator's Quad are the easiest parts to enjoy at any time. Dune is right next door for lunch or a cocktail, and Central Bar and Cafe in the Square are a few minutes away.

Highlights

• Founded in 1450 by Bishop James Kennedy
• Late Gothic chapel and tower
• Bishop Kennedy's tomb
• Patrick Hamilton's PH initials in the cobbles

Good to know

• A working university chapel used for regular worship.
• The PH initials are on the pavement directly below the tower on North Street.
• University switchboard: 01334 476161.

Frequently asked questions