Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 37 out of 39 hikers
Cowane's Hospital is a 17th-century almshouse in the Old Town of Stirling, Scotland. It was established in 1637 with a bequest of 40,000 merks from the estate of the merchant John Cowane (1570–1633). Subsequently converted for use as a Guildhall the building is considered by Historic Scotland to be "a rare survival of 17th century burgh architecture and one of the finest buildings of its kind in Scotland."[1] It was listed at category A in 1965.[1] The gardens are also seen as a "rare survival" of an institutional garden of the 17th century, and were included in the national Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in 2012.[2] The hospital is located on St John Street, between the medieval Church of the Holy Rude and the 19th-century Old Town Jail.
January 29, 2017
There is also a small cafe in the building. You can also sit outside on the terrace with a view of the beautiful garden. This is a place of peace and quiet away from the tourist crowds.
June 24, 2024
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