The Dome, Edinburgh

The Dome, Edinburgh

The Dome is a historic building located on George Street in the New Town area. It is categorized as a Grade A listed building and currently serves as a combination of a bar, restaurant, and nightclub, managed by the Caledonian Heritable group. This structure was originally constructed in 1847 to serve as the headquarters for the Commercial Bank of Scotland, and it was designed by the architect David Rhind in a Graeco-Roman architectural style.

Interestingly, The Dome is situated on the site where the old Physicians' Hall used to stand. The Physicians' Hall was the offices of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and was built in the 18th century according to the design by architect James Craig, who was also the planner of the New Town. When The Dome was built, parts of the frontage of the Physicians' Hall were incorporated into the new structure, including the impressive Corinthian columns.

During the time of its construction, The Dome represented a significant architectural shift in Scotland, reflecting the emergence of capitalism. David Rhind, the architect, drew inspiration from ancient Greek society to capture the ideology of the era in his design for the Commercial Bank building. Rhind emphasized both societal values and aesthetics. In April 1847, The Scotsman newspaper praised the building for its "rich and massive architecture" and "gorgeous" interior decoration.

One notable architectural feature of The Dome is its use of natural light, thanks to the inclusion of a glass dome. The building also maximizes space with a spacious central lobby. While George Street boasts several Greek Revival-style buildings today, The Dome stands out due to its striking pediment and its long and storied history.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Edinburgh. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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The Dome on Map

Sight Name: The Dome
Sight Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (See walking tours in Edinburgh)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Edinburgh, Scotland

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Edinburgh Introduction Walking Tour

Edinburgh Introduction Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
New Town Walking Tour

New Town Walking Tour

Rightly regarded as the historic masterpiece of city planning, the New Town of Edinburgh has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. The area forms a significant part of the Scottish capital and is known for its elegant Georgian architecture, abundant shopping opportunities, and many other delights firmly associated with this city.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Royal Mile Walking Tour

Royal Mile Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

The historical center of Edinburgh, popularly known as the Old Town, is indeed the oldest part of the Scottish capital. Most of the buildings here, made of stone and characterized by numerous tall windows, have been around since the Middle Ages and are covered with soot, left over from the days long gone, when houses were heated with hard-coal and wood. Hence the prevailing gray color in the area....  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Famous Squares and Streets Walking Tour

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Being in Edinburgh, it is only natural to be curious about the avenues, boulevards, and streets leading to (or stemming from) the city's picturesque squares. There, you can find a copious amount of historic and religious sites, fashion stores, classy restaurants, and marketplaces, not to mention some hidden gems, exploring which is well worth the time spent.

One of Edinburgh's most...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

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