St Magnus Cathedral

4.7(8 reviews)
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Broad St, Kirkwall KW15 1DH
Photo of St Magnus Cathedral – a popular tourist attraction
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About

St Magnus Cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall was founded in 1137 by the viking Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus. The Cathedral is the most northerly in the UK and belongs to the people of Orkney.

Location

Reviews

What people are saying

Based on8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews

Rating Distribution

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5
8 months ago

Absolutely magnificent place. The stonework a joy. Unlike many such cathedrals in Scotland from this period intact completely. The huge central pillars are impressive, the red stone gives a different and warm feel. On day we went flower show. Some pics taken, cluedo one has some nice nods to game. HMS Royal Oak memorial moving.

5
a year ago

It is a lovely building standing very proud in the centre of Kirkwall and is the most northerly cathedral in Britain. I liked the striking contrast, in places, of the different coloured bricks. Inside it is a scene of total splendour. I may have included a couple of photos from just around the corner, so please forgive me. I thought that they tied in well.

5
10 months ago

This is a really beautiful cathedral, in a prominent position in Kirkwall. You can walk all the way round it and it seems to be open most days. The windows are amazing and must have taken serious effort to create. The whole size of the vaulted ceiling is a feat of engineering. This is a really impressive building and somewhere worth a visit if you are in Kirkwall.

5
10 months ago

Amazing Cathedral dated from 11 century. Beautifully maintained and ornate. Please visit and help. They have guided tours available if you prefer. Urban Cowgill June 2024

5
8 months ago

St Magnus Cathedral known as the 'Light in the North' was founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus who was martyred here in Orkney. The Cathedral belongs to the people of Orkney and its doors are open to all. Set in the heart of Kirkwall, the capital city of the Orkney Islands, it is a place of stillness, of inspiration, of warmth, and is steeped in the presence of God. We invite you to explore this website which contains information about many aspects of the Cathedral's life and when you do visit Orkney we look forward to welcoming you to worship or to a time of quiet reflection and contemplation. The worshipping community over the centuries has been part of the Roman Catholic Church, the Norwegian Church, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian). The worshipping community thus inherits an ecumenical tradition. Today, in addition to our local congregation, worshippers come from a whole host of denominational backgrounds and none.

5
9 months ago

Hopefully you will have a guide to tell the local folklore of the church. The exterior is a rough, natural state of the quarried stone. Inside is a history of old tomb stones and local architecture. I hope you take a minute to pop in and admire the history still standing.

Features

Service options

  • On-site services

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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