St Magnus Cathedral is
one of the most beautiful medieval structures you will see in Scotland
and has been the heart and soul of Orcadian life for 800 years.
Building commence in 1137 under Earl Rognvald, nephew of St Magnus and
throughout the centuries that the cathedral was built and its
importance was established Orkney was under Norse rule. It is therefore
the best example of the Nordic influence on the islands.
The
Cathedral’s beautiful red hue comes stone quarried in nearby Eday and
the very best master masons who built Durham Cathedral were employed.
The ongoing construction incorporated a range of popular architectural
fashions and Romanesque round arches, portraying the Norman influence
can be found as can narrow windows of the early gothic style. In the
13th Century the cathedral was extended and French affectations can be
seen in the decoration of some of the pillars. The lavish stain glass
features and intricate mosaic floor add to the generous warmth of
colour exuded throughout the cathedral and icons depicting religious
and Nordic idols adorn the walls.
The Cathedral also houses
the relics of its namesake. St Magnus was a Norse Earl who was educated
in a monastery in Orkney and had a claim to the earldom of the islands.
However he was a pious and peaceful man and when challenged would not
take arms. He was deemed a martyr and by popular acclaim was canonised.
When the Cathedral was built, his relics were transferred to Kirkwall.
Kirkwall, Co. Orkney
Building commence in 1137 under Earl Rognvald, nephew of St Magnus and
throughout the centuries that the cathedral was built and its
importance was established 
