—From In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Travels of a Chantry Scholar, by Brother GenitiviAt the height of the Tevinter Imperium’s slave trade, Kirkwall’s elite prospered beyond dreams of avarice. Hightown was built for the wealthiest slavers, its glitzy mansions rising atop a great wall of rock that borders, on one side, the Waking Sea. Lowtown cowered on its other side until Kirkwall’s slaves rose to plunder and destroy Hightown’s riches. Today, Hightown’s prominent buildings are the Keep, home to the ruling viscount, and the chantry, home to the grand cleric and the city’s religious center. Both are converted estates that once housed wealthy magisters, rebuilt and converted after the uprising.
The Chantry
The Chantry is the dominant religious organization in Thedas. It is based on the Chant of Light, a series of teachings written by Andraste, the prophet of the Maker, and was founded by Kordillus Drakon, the first emperor of Orlais. The Chantry's followers are known as Andrastians. "Chantric" is also an acceptable adjective to refer to something or someone that is of the Chantry religion.
The Chantry's goal is to spread the Chant of Light across the world and to all races. The view of the Chantry on non-humans is that they need saving—they have turned even further from the Maker's grace than humanity has. There are no known Andrastian Qunari. The elves worshiped, and in some cases still worship, the Elven pantheon, and dwarves venerate the Stone. Once all peoples have accepted the Chant and practice its teachings, the Maker will return and restore the world to its former glory. As such, Andrastian religion in Thedas can be described as deistic in that the Maker abandoned the world, and he will not heed prayer or perform any other function until his favor is regained.
Viscount's Keep
The keep is located just off Hightown and is the home of Viscount Marlowe Dumar and his heir Saemus Dumar. The Keep also serves several other functions for the city. It provides facilities for various institutions of Kirkwall's government and also function as a meeting place for petitions to the Viscount's office. It also serves as a site for the conduct of public ceremonies.
The barracks, home of the Kirkwall City Guard, is located in the southern wing along with the Guard Captain's office. The Viscount's office and Seneschal's office are situated in the northern wing. The eastern wing houses the throne room which is used for the conduct of public ceremonies as well as the coronation of the new Viscount or Viscountess.
Day-to-day affairs in the keep are administered by Seneschal Bran, who is usually found near the Viscount's offices in the north wing.
The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man is a major tavern in Kirkwall and it is a popular destination for all people, strangers or residents. The interior consists of one main room and four bedrooms, with an opulent suite currently occupied by Varric. The inhabitants of the tavern will vary, depending on what quests are active and progress through the main plot. Varric seems very interested in owning the tavern.
Elven Alienage
*Unknown*
Blooming Rose
The Blooming Rose is a brothel located in Hightown, in the Red Lantern District. According to Madam Lusine, they provide premium service for 2 sovereigns, standard service for 1 sovereign, and for 50 silver, "someone may touch you. Briefly."
**Praise the Dragon Age Wikia**