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Orkney Historic Churches

Brough of Deerness   The remains of a 10th century chapel in a spectacular headland setting on the eastern tip of Deerness. Some debate exists whether the site is that of a Norse settlement, early Christian monastery, or Iron Age promontory fort. The Brough has been a traditional site of pilgrimage for centuries. The setting could hardly be more spectacular; the Brough is accessible only by way of a steep path up the side of the Brough from Little Burrageo, but your exertion is well rewarded with fabulous views and the company of seabirds by the hundreds. Deerness, Mull Head, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Parking lot for Mull Head nature reserve, off a minor road signposted from the B9050. The path from the parking lot follows the coast to the Brough of Deerness. OS HY595088 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Eynhallow Church    Ruins of 12th century church and domestic buildings. Eynhallow, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Heritage Rating:   ? Location: On the island of Eynhallow; can be reached only by boat from Mainland or Rousay. Website: Eynhallow Church Historic Scotland OS HY359289 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Italian Chapel   A shrine built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII, using a quonset hut and salvaged scraps of metal and wood. The chapel is a moving example of the marriage of faith and art under trying circumstances. The interior is beautifully painted and contains lovely ironwork and trompe l'oeil artwork. Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Heritage Rating:   ? Location: on A961 OS HY480 000 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Orphir Round Church   Remains of only surviving medieval circular church in Scotland, built in first half of 12th century. Dedicated to St. Nicholas. Orphir, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Heritage Rating:   ? Location: At Orphir, 8 miles SW Kirkwall Website: Orphir Round Church Historic Scotland Details of Orphir Round Church OS HY335043 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Pierowall Church    A ruined and roofless medieval church looking out to sea. The major historic interest here are a small collection of finely carved medieval tombstones. The church, also known as Lady Kirk, was built in the 13th century, but much of what we can see today is the result of rebuilding in the 17th century. The simple layout consists of a rectagular nave and chancel angled slightly off-centre towards the south. The church is built of rubble with freestone dressing, and the nave is 14.5 metres long and just over 6 metres wide. The oldest stonework is set in clay, while the newer work uses lime mortar. The church was in use as the parish church of Pierowall until sometime after 1879. Pierowall, Westray, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Heritage Rating:   ? Location: In Pierowall village, on Westray island. Reached via regular ferry service from Kirkwall. Website: Pierowall Church Historic Scotland OS HY439488 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Magnus Cathedral   Begun in 1137 in honor of St Magnus, Earl Magnus of Orkney. A well preserved medieval cathedral, Norman in character, built of alternating bands of red and yellow sandstone. Broad Street, Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW15 1NX Attraction Type: Cathedral Heritage Rating:   ? Location: In the centre of Kirkwall. Website: St Magnus Cathedral Location map Details of St Magnus Cathedral - Photos of St Magnus Cathedral OS HY449109 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Magnus Church    The roofless ruins of a 12th century church stand in the north west of the little isle of Egilsay, off the easter end of Rousay. The church was built in the late 12th century and is composed of a rectangular nave which terminates in a square chancel. At the west end of the church is a striking round tower, which still stands to almost its full height. The church lost its roof in the 19th century. Egilsay, Skaill, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Heritage Rating:   ? Location: On the island of Egilsay 0.5m from the Skaill pier. Reached by regular ferry service from Tingwall Terminal on Orkney Mainland Website: St Magnus Church Historic Scotland OS HY466304 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Tuquoy, Westside Church    A roofless 12th century Romanesque church, one of best preserved medieval churches of Orkney. It was built by an unknown Norse chief, whose farm lies atop the nearby cliffs. The building is simple, consisting of only a nave and aisle. For many it years served as the parish church. Tuquoy, Westray, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Heritage Rating:   ? Location: South of Midbea village, just over 3 miles south of Pierowall, Westray. Reached by ferry from island of Mainland Website: Tuquoy, Westside Church Historic Scotland OS HY455432 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

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