ROSSLYN Chapel in Midlothian, a setting for parts of blockbuster film The Da Vinci Code, has undergone a revamp.
This comes just as Dan Brown, author and creator of the novel the movie is based on, has announced another installment of the bestselling series.
The chapel in Roslin is known for its ornate stonework with hidden symbolism, making it the perfect match for Brown’s intricate thriller.
The chapel has now been upgraded though, with new fixtures that allow visitors to see its historic carvings in a new light.
Founded in 1446, Rossyln Chapel is a popular tourist attraction as well as a place of worship, even more so after its inclusion in The Da Vinci Code novel in 2003, and the subsequent film starring Tom Hanks in 2006.
The novel initially sparked controversy due to its dealings with an alternative Biblical history in which Jesus and Mary Magdalene have a child together.
Despite this, it is one of the best-selling novels of all time, selling 80 million copies worldwide – more than some of the books in the Harry Potter series.
On Rossyln Chapel, Dan Brown stated: “’When I decided to write The Da Vinci Code, I knew that its finale would have to take place at the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth – Rosslyn.”
The chapel also featured in the film of the same name, with its interior used in September 2005 and a model of the exterior created as the building was under scaffolding at the time.
Tom Hanks, who played main character Robert Langdon, said at the time: “’Few locations in film are so delightful and few destinations live up to their billing, but Rosslyn Chapel was all one could imagine or hope for.”
Now, visitors can see the building in a new light, thanks to updated features installed just over a week ago.
Ian Gardner, director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said to Edinburgh Live: “The Lady Chapel is the most ornately carved part of the building, and the refurbished lighting really does highlight some of the carvings that have been in shadow up to now.
“The lighting really does make a difference, especially over the winter.
“We’ve had very favourable comments from visitors since the lighting was refurbished. It’s helping visitors appreciate the detail.”
Last week, Dan Brown announced a renewal of The Da Vinci Code series with a new book titled The Secret of Secrets.
The sixth instalment will begin in Prague before embarking on a journey across London and New York in a search for his missing girlfriend and her crucial manuscript on human consciousness.
Ian Gardner said today: “We hope that this work to refurbish our lighting will enhance our visitors’ experience here, helping them to appreciate some of the most ornately carved parts of Rosslyn Chapel which were previously in shadow.
“The Chapel is managed by Rosslyn Chapel Trust, which is a registered charity, and so every visit supports our work to conserve this unique building for future generations to appreciate”.
