St Magnus Cathedral

Kirkwall, Co. Orkney

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.