Dunfermline Abbey was founded as a priory by Queen Margaret in the 11th century. It was established as a Benedictine abbey by her son, King David I, in 1128, who employed stone masons from Durham Cathedral to help build it. The nave features some of the finest Romanesque architecture in Scotland. 

It is the final resting place of eight Scottish kings, notably Robert the Bruce, albeit minus his heart, which was buried at Melrose Abbey. Margaret was later canonised as St Margaret and also buried there. After the reformation parts of the west range were converted into a royal palace.