St Andrews Cathedral
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During my last days in Scotland I decided to spend weekends travelling, alone, on one of which I visited St Andrews. The Cathedral is an identity of the town of St Andrews and a very beautiful place worth visiting. Although almost in ruins, it still succeeds to impress with the massive structure and huge area it had covered. You don't have to pay to wander around the ruins and the cemetery, but a single ticket is enough for the cathedral museum, St Rules Tower and the St Andrews Castle nearby, worth every penny! Climbing the St Rules Tower through the rock-cut very cozy stairs could be a bit difficult, especially for plumps (I meant fat ;-) ) but indeed would be an amazing experience. What a spectacular view of the town you can have from the top! You'll never regret climbing the tower. The castle nearby is a bit more enjoyable. Museum is also good.
Shreenath VShreenath V
10
The somber ruins on the bluffs over the rushing waters feel like imagery from a dream or myth. There is a sense of silent grandeur imbuing every stone. Even after the vicissitudes of time and history eroded the building to its ruined state, it remains majestic and monumental. Places like this are what inspired the Romantic poets, Wordsworth and Byron and the others. Though it lost its practical function as a place of worship, it has become part of eternity, the towering wonders that remain outside the roar of time. The passing of the ages give this building a distinctive character, one not only shaped by its initial appearance, but by the accretion of time and memory. Standing in the presence, one feels the distractions of routine and habit fail, replaced by a palpable, organic connection with that which is mysterious and sublime.
Joshua FaganJoshua Fagan
00
No matter how pitiful it might be to see this structure in ruins, the fact that the cathedral is incomplete almost makes it appear more majestic and immense. Exploring the ruins and the churchyard (including Tommy Morris' monument) is fun and doesn't take too much time either. Buying the ticket to see the cathedral museum, the view from St. Rule's Tower and the castle is a personal choice: the museum under the cathedral is straightforward (unless you like tombstones with skulls and crossbones), but the tower makes the investment worthy. Then of course, the castle is more entertaining, but that's a different location. On the whole, a walk around this sacred ground is recommended; a visit to the museum is average; but a climb to the tower is unforgettable.
Gustav ChristenssonGustav Christensson
00
The ruins of a large Catholic cathedral, it was the center for Catholicism in Scotland from its founding in 1158 until the reformation when it was closed. It was the largest church ever built in Scotland at 390 feet long. The church took 160 years of work to complete - it was dedicated in 1318. Robert the Bruce, kind of Scotland rode his horse up the aisle on his horse during the dedication. In June 1559, the cathedral was attacked by a Protestant mob and the interior was ransacked. By 1561, it had been abandoned. As the cathedral fell in to disrepair, the well cut stones were used by townspeople for building materials for homes. The grounds are lovely and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The visitor’s center was closed for repair.
Shane GiddingsShane Giddings
00
The Cathedral of St Andrew is a ruined cathedral in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. In June 1559 during the Reformation, a Protestant mob incited by the preaching of John Knox ransacked the cathedral; the interior of the building was destroyed. The cathedral fell into decline following the attack and became a source of building material for the town. St Andrews is a great town to walk around and explore. There is plenty you can visit, including the St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle ruins, pier, botanic gardens and general historic architecture throughout the town. The beautiful movie chariots of fire has been shot here.
Anirban DeAnirban De
00
The ruins are quite beautiful, though made a little ugly by all the fencing all over the grounds. The view from the top of the tower is worth the 160odd steps to get to the top...it's quite tight and windy steps though. The museum part could have been done a little better, and is quite overpoweringly musty in the shop side. They should limit the amount of people coming through all at once though, as I think a tour group came through all at once and make it quite noisy and impossible to move around without people bumping into you or standing in the way. Staff are nice and helpful though.
Lanokota PhoenixLanokota Phoenix
10
Nearby Attractions Of St Andrews Cathedral
St Andrews Castle
Old Course
St Andrews Aquarium
The R&A World Golf Museum
University of St Andrews
St Andrews Pier
St Salvator's Chapel
Old Course Shop, St Andrews Links
Wardlaw Museum
Blackfriars Chapel

St Andrews Castle
4.5
(1.8K)Click for details

Old Course
4.8
(879)Click for details

St Andrews Aquarium
4.3
(877)Click for details

The R&A World Golf Museum
4.3
(385)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of St Andrews Cathedral
Tailend Restaurant
Forgan's St Andrews
The Criterion
The Rule
The Saint Bar & Kitchen
Greyfriars Inn
Mozza
Zizzi - St Andrews
Mitchell
The Bothy St Andrews

Tailend Restaurant
4.4
(970)Click for details

Forgan's St Andrews
4.3
(946)Click for details

The Criterion
4.6
(676)Click for details

The Rule
4.1
(684)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL, United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 1334 472563
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historicenvironment.scot
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4.6
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St. Andrew's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic cathedral for the diocese of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Built in the High Victorian Gothic style, St. Andrew's was Victoria's third cathedral to be built.
attractions: St Andrews Castle, Old Course, St Andrews Aquarium, The R&A World Golf Museum, University of St Andrews, St Andrews Pier, St Salvator's Chapel, Old Course Shop, St Andrews Links, Wardlaw Museum, Blackfriars Chapel, restaurants: Tailend Restaurant, Forgan's St Andrews, The Criterion, The Rule, The Saint Bar & Kitchen, Greyfriars Inn, Mozza, Zizzi - St Andrews, Mitchell, The Bothy St Andrews

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