The youngest of Scotland’s four ancient universities, the University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 by royal charter from James IV, King of Scotland. Although the school remained small during its early years, it begangrowing along with Edinburgh in the 18th century. The university played a key role in the city’s transformation into an intellectual capital during the Scottish Enlightenment,helping it earn the title of “Athens of the North.” Edinburgh attracted leading Enlightenment figures like philosopher David Hume and economist Adam Smith, and the university also becamean important center of scientific and medical research.The University of Edinburgh’s proud intellectual tradition continues to the present day. Edinburgh is not only the top school in Scotland, but also ranks 17th in the world. The school’s huge College of Humanities offers over 300 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs, and its College of Medicine and College of Science and Engineering are famous for fostering world-class researchers.Achievements associated with Edinburgh faculty and alumni include the discovery of penicillin and the SARS virus, the development of IV therapy and the hepatitis B vaccine, and the invention of the syringe and the decompression chamber.While the University of Edinburgh has never had a dedicated campus, most of the school’s buildings are located in and around the city’s historic Old Town. Completed in 1831, the Old College, with its beautiful neoclassical architecture, is the school’s oldest surviving building and an Edinburgh landmark. Other noteworthy buildings include New College,with its Gothic towers, and Teviot Row House, the world’s oldest student union. While you’re in Old Town, be sure to visit the Royal Mile, home to Edinburgh Castle at one end and Holyrood Palace—the Queen’s residence in Scotland—at the other.And if you still have time, head north to New Town to admire the Georgianarchitecture, go kilt and whisky shopping on Princes Street and have an Edinburgh ale at a local pub.