St Magnus Cathedral — Attraction in Scotland

St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall stands as a remarkable testament to Orkney’s rich Norse heritage and enduring spiritual significance. Founded in 1137 by Earl Rögnvald in honor of his martyred uncle, St Magnus Erlendsson, this Romanesque masterpiece is the only complete medieval cathedral in Scotland and the most northerly in the UK .  

Constructed over approximately 300 years, the cathedral showcases a striking polychromatic effect through its alternating red and yellow sandstone, sourced from local quarries in Kirkwall and Eday. This distinctive stonework, crafted by medieval masons possibly trained at Durham Cathedral, contributes to the building’s unique aesthetic appeal .  

Inside, visitors can explore the final resting place of St Magnus, whose relics are interred within a pillar in the choir. A hidden cavity discovered in 1919 revealed bones, including a skull bearing an axe wound, believed to be those of the saint . The cathedral also houses memorials to notable Orcadians such as explorer Dr. John Rae and poet George Mackay Brown.   

Beyond its religious function, St Magnus Cathedral serves as a vibrant cultural hub. It hosts concerts, recitals, and events like the renowned St Magnus Festival, taking advantage of its exceptional acoustics . Guided tours offer access to the upper levels, providing insights into the cathedral’s architecture and panoramic views of Kirkwall .   

Open year-round with free entry, the cathedral welcomes visitors seeking both spiritual reflection and historical exploration. Its enduring presence and multifaceted role in the community underscore its status as a cherished...

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...

St Magnus may be a bit sketchy as an actual saint, but the cathedral erected to his memory by his nephew Rögnvald is pretty cool -- far more scenic and magnificent than you would expect, while having a rough-hewn authenticity (no cladding or plastering) that makes it feel like a real tribute to its patron saint.

While currently a Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) church, it is available for use by all Christian denominations.

The cathedral sports some gorgeous stained glass, but to me some of the most special items were stones (old tombstones? crypt covers?) of various 17th Century (usually) parishioners, mounted to the inside walls. These are noteworthy both for the translation of their inscriptions provided beside them, but for the memento mori symbology they include.

Admission is free (please respect any religious services going on), but there are numerous opportunities, physical and digital, to donate to the upkeep...