EDINBURGH boasts a hidden gem often likened to the Sistine Chapel, offering visitors a breathtaking view of floor-to-ceiling paintings.
Just a ten-minute walk from the capital’s Waverley Station, this unassuming former church has earned its nickname thanks to its stunning beauty and resemblance to the Vatican City attraction.
Also known as the Cappella Sistina, the Sistine Chapel remains one of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces.
The private chapel of the Pope draws millions each year to marvel at Michelangelo’s iconic frescoed ceiling.
However, Scotland’s own version provides a unique—and free—experience much closer to home.
Located at the bottom of Broughton Street on the eastern edge of Edinburgh‘s New Town, the Mansfield Traquair Centre appears like a regular church from the outside.
The former Catholic place of worship is now a fabulous event and co-working space—but stepping inside will soon make visitors realise why it is compared to the famous Italian site.
From floor to ceiling, the interior of the building is adorned with extraordinary paintings by Phoebe Anna Traquair, a trailblazing figure of the Scottish Arts and Crafts movement.
Dublin-born Traquair became one of the first female artists in Scotland to achieve international recognition as a pioneer in the Arts and Crafts movement.
In 1892, Traquair was commissioned to transform the interior of what was then the Catholic Apostolic Church in Mansfield Place, a grand structure designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson in 1872.
Completed in 1897, the church was swiftly hailed by critics as a masterpiece of modern decorative design.
The detailed artworks inside took Traquair eight years to complete, finishing in 1901.
In these stunning murals, Traquair drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance and fresco-style paintings, embracing their vibrant colours, with much of the detail completed by hand.
Much like its Italian counterpart, the murals depict scenes inspired by the Old and New Testaments, including visions of the Apocalypse and the Second Coming of Christ.
However, by the end of the 20th century, the church had fallen into disrepair as the congregation dwindled.
The building and its incredible murals were saved by the Mansfield Traquair Trust, which spent five years lovingly restoring the church to its former glory.
To this day, the trust continues to preserve Traquair’s legacy, offering tours and access to the interior, usually on the second Sunday afternoon of every month.
Entry is free, with trained tour guides on hand to answer questions about the venue.
The unique venue is also available to hire for weddings, parties, and corporate retreats.
To find out more about the Mansfield Traquair Centre including opening times, visit here.
