Walking the World , Vol XI Content . Welcome , friend . In our latest volume , we cover Solitude . Spatior could not be more pleased to be at the very seat of Imperial power in Skyrim . In the course of our tour , you ' ll see that Solitude ' s riches extend from her people to the history and the architecture that make up the city itself . As ever , we begin our journey outside the city walls , this time at the bottom of the hill that ascends all the way to Solitude ' s massive gates . Solitude ' s Surroundings Before scaling to the city , you should be sure to take in the sights . Wander the track that leads down to the docks , and you can stop to enjoy one of the best views of the Great Arch . Originally serving as both a landmark and windbreak for Solitude ' s port , the easily - defended Great Arch also provided an ideal building site for the ancient Nords . The city gradually grew to extend across the entire length of the arch . This growth culminated in the building of the Blue Palace , home to the High King s and Queens of Skyrim . We will visit the palace later . The Gates of Solitude Entrance to Solitude is guarded by two gates and three towers . The first of these towers , situated at the crossroads , is Sky Tower . It ' s mostly a lookout , although in times of war , barricades are erected across the nearby road to act as a first line of defense . The second tower and first , smaller gate are collectively known as the Squall Gate . Here , attacking armies meet their first real resistance . Last and certainly most impressive is the Storm Gate . While Castle Dour , found just within the city ' s main gate , has always been a massive walled structure , Solitude ' s outer walls and gates were not added until shortly after the coronation of High King Erling . Looking up and to the left of the main gate , you can see a small hint of Erling ' s preference for a more rounded style of architecture that we will see later in the Castle Dour extension , as well as the interior arch and the windmill . Now we pass through the gates and enter the main shopping district of Solitude . The Well District Stepping inside Solitude ' s gates , you get your first view of the city itself . Rising tall and proud before you , banners waiving from its crown , is the Emperor ' s Tower . Home to the Kings of Haafingar before the consolidation of Skyrim and the creation of the Blue Palace , the Emperor ' s Tower is now used exclusively as guest quarters for Emperor s who come to visit the city . To your left and right are Solitude ' s inn and shops . Here can be found some of the finest imported goods in Skyrim . After all , Solitude is a wealthy city with ready access to the major shipping lanes of Tamriel . Continuing ahead , you ' ll come to the ramp that takes you up to Castle Dour . From here , you can truly feel the weight of this stone bastion ' s looming presence . To the left - most tower , topped by the pointed roof of Erling ' s extension , was once the castle barracks and jail . Today , the tower is the center of military power here in Solitude . Looking right past the looming Emperor ' s Tower , you can glimpse Solitude ' s natural bridge arcing gracefully over to the windmill . Built during High King Erling ' s day , the bridge was said to be used to discretely allow Captain Jytte , the famous privateer , to enter Castle Dour . Some historians claim that she and the High King were simply attempting to keep their business dealings quiet . Others believe the Jytte and Erling were involved on a more personal level . At the end of the bridge is the windmill . The tower and the windmill serve as one of Solitude ' s most recognizable man - made landmarks . The Windmill ' s power was once used to open the gates to what is now the East Empire Company Warehouse , but today that task falls to the strong backs of the dock workers . In the shadow of the windmill you ' ll find the outdoor market and the well . Here , you can buy a number of local delicacies including famous spiced wine made exclusively in Solitude . From here we ' ll travel up the ramp and into Castle Dour Courtyard . Castle Dour As you enter the courtyard of Castle Dour , you are confronted with the banner of Solitude hanging over the door to what is now Castle Dour proper . At the far end of the courtyard stands the impressive Temple of the Divines . The founders of Solitude were deeply devout and Solitude is the only place in Skyrim where all of the divines are worshipped in a single temple . All three of the buildings here are well worth taking a look inside , but only Temple and Castle Dour ' s military wing are open . If you do venture inside the temple , take special note of the alcoves at the front . You can see the empty alcove that once held the shrine of Talos before Talos worship was outlawed . From the courtyard , travel out the exit between Castle Dour and the Temple and you ' ll get your first sight of the Blue Palace . Along the way , be sure to stop outside Bards College , a large building on your left marked by the Flames of Callisos burning beside the steps . Named for a famous bard , it is said that as long as the flame burns , the college will stand . Bards College Looking up from the Bards College steps , you can see that the college stands taller than the Blue Palace itself . The bards who train here can be heard throughout Skyrim , singing songs that capture the history of ages . If you get a chance you should be sure to catch the Burning of King Olaf , an ancient festival where " King Olaf " is burned in effigy . Continue up the road from the college and you ' ll reach the courtyard of the Blue Palace , our final destination . The Blue Palace The Blue Palace is home to the Jarl s of Solitude , who for centuries have also served as the High Kings and High Queens of Skyrim . The northeast wing , on your left as you enter , holds the living quarters of the Jarl and her court on the top level and various servants below . The southwest wing , known as the Pelagius Wing , has fallen into a state of disrepair . Named for the famous High King , Pelagius the Mad , the wing is rumored to be haunted by the king ' s ghost . The wing has been locked and left alone since shortly after Pelagius ' s death . You should be sure to venture inside the Blue Palace . The grand atrium and court chambers are a sight not to be missed . Other Points of Interest Spatior has shown you Solitude in all its grandeur , but there are a few places more to see . The walls of the city are easily accessible and well worth the climbing for the remarkable view . The Solitude Docks are also worth a visit , as they are the largest in Skyrim . That ' s all for Walking the World Volume XI . Spatior does not know his next destination yet , but you can be sure that where he does go he will leave you a record of the best things to see . Spatior Munius , World Traveler