St Bernard’s Well

If you’re checking out Edinburgh, I probably wouldn’t put this on the must-​see list, however if you’re in the Stockbridge area its certainly worth a nice walk along the Water of Leith where you will come across St Bernards Well.
Now I don’t know too much about the history (but I’m sure you could Google that yourself), but its a peaceful area and a beautiful walk that will take you towards the city centre or Dean village.

Located in the Stockbridge neighbourhood of Edinburgh (just 15 minutes outside of the city centre), is a round classical style «temple» that you can simply gaze upon or walk up to and visit.
This odd monument sits atop a well which it was supposedly rediscovered in 1760 by three Heriot’s school boys, after centuries of obscurity. Due to the popularity of «taking in the waters» which was believed to cure everything from light bruising to certain death, this Well forced Stockbridge into the tourist books. Legend says that Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the founder of the Cistercian Order, in the 12^th Century found the well by following birds, and used its healing powers to restore his lost strength.
Anyway a pretty groovy local landmark that’s completely free and well worth a visit if you’re in the area (especially as it’s free!)

I wouldn’t exactly put this odd little monument along the Water of Leith Walkway on a list of must-​see destinations in Edinburgh, but it’s a piece of local history that may hold some interest for anyone into sacred sites or, erm, old wells.
It’s connected to a legend about 12^th century saint, and in the 18^th century people flocked here to partake of the water’s supposed healing properties, which is when the small neo-​classical temple dedicated to the goddess of health was erected.
There’s not much to see here today, but it is open to the public on Sundays if you feel like taking a look.