Wishart's Arch: Dundee's Sole Surviving City Wall Gateway
The last standing gateway of Dundee’s 16th-century city walls, echoing tales of plague, faith, and resilience.
Wishart's Arch, located at 27-29 Wishart Archway in Dundee, is the only remaining fragment of the city's 16th-century defensive walls. Named after Protestant reformer George Wishart, who preached here during the 1544 plague quarantine, the arch stands as a poignant historical landmark reflecting Dundee’s turbulent past and religious heritage. Its simple yet evocative stone structure offers a tangible connection to the city's medieval fortifications and the era's religious conflicts.
A brief summary to Wishart's Arch
- 27-29 Wishart Archway, Dundee, DD1 2JA, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the day for quieter surroundings and better lighting for photography.
- Look for the commemorative plaque on the arch to learn about George Wishart’s historic sermons.
- Combine your visit with nearby historic sites in Dundee for a comprehensive understanding of the city’s past.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the arch is located in an urban area with paved streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take the X7 or 22 bus routes from Dundee city center, with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. Services run frequently during the day, with a single ticket costing around £1.50. The stop is within a short walk to Wishart's Arch.
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Train
Dundee Railway Station is about 2.5 km from Wishart's Arch. From the station, a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride costing approximately £5 will bring you to the site. The station is well connected to major Scottish cities.
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Car
Driving to Wishart's Arch is possible with nearby street parking available, though spaces can be limited during peak hours. Parking fees typically range from £1 to £3 per hour. The area is accessible via main roads but be aware of urban traffic congestion.
Wishart's Arch location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Wishart's Arch
A Fragment of Dundee’s Medieval Defenses
Wishart's Arch is the sole surviving remnant of the once extensive stone walls that fortified Dundee in the mid-16th century. Constructed during a period of heightened English hostilities known as the Rough Wooing, these walls were built in 1545 to protect the city. The arch originally formed part of the eastern gateway, historically called the Eastgate or Cowgate, marking a critical defensive and access point into Dundee. Today, the arch stands quietly amidst the modern cityscape, a rare physical link to Dundee’s fortified past.George Wishart and the Arch’s Spiritual Legacy
The arch is named after George Wishart, a Protestant reformer who preached from this very spot in 1544 to those quarantined during a plague outbreak. His sermons offered spiritual solace to the afflicted, embedding the arch with deep religious significance. Wishart’s legacy is further marked by his tragic martyrdom; he was burned at the stake in St Andrews for his beliefs. This connection imbues the arch with a poignant narrative of faith, persecution, and resilience during a turbulent era in Scottish history.The Arch’s Role in Dundee’s Historical Landscape
Dundee’s city walls, including Wishart’s Arch, symbolized the city’s strategic importance and the constant threat of conflict, especially during the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, much of the fortification was dismantled or fell into ruin, with the arch surviving as a solitary sentinel. The arch’s endurance through centuries of urban development highlights its importance as a historical artifact and a testament to Dundee’s medieval urban fabric.Architectural Simplicity and Historical Atmosphere
Unlike grand castles or ornate monuments, Wishart's Arch is characterized by its austere, functional stone construction. Its modest scale and weathered surfaces evoke the atmosphere of a bygone defensive era. The arch’s unadorned form invites reflection on the harsh realities of 16th-century urban life, plague, and religious strife, offering visitors a tangible connection to the lived experiences of Dundee’s ancestors.Commemoration and Modern Recognition
A commemorative plaque on the arch honors George Wishart’s preaching during the plague, ensuring that the arch’s historical and spiritual significance is not forgotten. Today, it is recognized as a historical landmark and is part of Dundee’s cultural heritage, attracting those interested in Scotland’s religious history and medieval urban defenses. The arch’s presence enriches Dundee’s historic narrative and serves as a quiet monument to endurance and faith.Context Within Dundee’s Evolving Cityscape
Set within the modern urban environment of Dundee, Wishart's Arch contrasts with the city’s contemporary architecture and bustling streets. It stands as a reminder of the city’s layered history, from medieval fortifications to industrial growth and modern regeneration. The arch’s survival amidst change underscores the importance of preserving historical landmarks that connect present-day visitors with the city’s complex past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wishart's Arch
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The last standing gateway of Dundee’s 16th-century city walls, echoing tales of plague, faith, and resilience.
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Quayside Bar & Grill
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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WHSmith
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The Works
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B&M Store
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The Cheesery - Dundee Cheese Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Scenic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
