Description:

Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, right in the city centre. It is unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis (an unfinished monument) poking above the skyline.

Initiated in 1816, a year after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, it was meant to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens, as a memorial to those who had died in the Napoleonic Wars. Building began in 1822, but funds ran dry and celebrated Edinburgh architect William Playfair only saw a facade of his building completed. It was dubbed "Edinburgh's shame", but it's now a popular landmark. Plans since to complete the building never really get much support.