St Andrews is a city of old stone buildings and narrow lanes, a bustling market town which maintains a medieval flavor. It grew from a religious settlement, when legend tells us that a Greek monk brought the relics of St Andrew here. Only St. Rules Tower remains of the first Augustinian priory, and it provides a panoramic view if you climb to the top.
St Andrews became a royal burgh in 1620, but had already been in existence for centuries, and to live there in present times is to experience many of its earlier architectural and scenic treasures.
The University, as Scotland's oldest, offers a rich blending of town and gown, with more than 30% of the city's population formed by students and University staff. Two of the college quadrangles -- St. Salvator's and St. Mary's -- attract many visitors. Though many original buildings and landscape features have been replaced over the years, you can still see a thorn tree planted by Mary, Queen of Scots in St. Mary's Quad.
The city's coastline of sandy shores and cliffs attracts a variety of seabirds and marine life. Terns and garnets dive for food, and seals and dolphins swim offshore.The surrounding areas invite your exploration, and include attractive villages, pastoral farmland, historic houses and small fishing communities. And it is the sport of golf, that has its origins here, when the land around St Andrews rose and the sea level dropped, forming the stretch of coast into "links," that brings many to this part of Scotland.
St Andrews offers a wide range of social and leisure pursuits, with local and university events featured throughout the year. There is an array of ways to spend your free time, which includes dramatic and musical performance, cinema, pubs, restaurants, cafes and shopping. The city offers a peaceful, tranquil, unique atmosphere for students and visitors alike.