The ruins of St. Andrew's Castle are almost absurdly picturesque. Situated on cliffs overlooking the sea, only a short walk from town, they are a must-see for any visitor to St. Andrew's.
Although the ruins are all that now remains, St. Andrew's Castle was once a sturdy fortress that served as a royal and ecclesiastical residence as well as a prison. The castle has a long and bloody history. The site was first fortified in the early 12th century, but little of this early structure remains. The fortifications were almost completely rebuilt in 1400 and then destroyed again during a siege in 1547. Although some of the castle was rebuilt, it was eventually abandoned and fell to the ruins that visitors can wander through today. The long and somewhat gruesome history of the castle can be explored in the excellent visitors' center.
