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The acropolis on Calton Hill is an unfinished monument - originally called the "National Monument". The building project was initiated in 1816, a year after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo. It was meant to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens as a memorial to those who had died in the Napoleonic Wars.

Building began in 1822, but funds ran dry and celebrated Edinburgh architect William Playfair only got to see a facade of his building completed. It was dubbed "Edinburgh's shame" at the time but it's now a striking landmark. Plans since to complete the building never really get much support.