Dumfries and Galloway - Medieval Abbeys

Dundrennan Abbey is perhaps the most complete Cistercian monastery in Scotland and features some of the best Gothic architecture in the country. The abbey was founded in 1142 by Fergus, the first Lord of Galloway, under the patronage of King David I of Scotland, as a daughter house of Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire. The same Cistercian monks from Rievaulx went on to found further abbeys in Galloway at Glenluce and Sweetheart.
Dundrennan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, DG6 4QH

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Glenluce Abbey is a wonderfully scenic Cistercian monastery dating to the late 12th century. The abbey was founded sometime between 1190 and 1192, by monks from either Melrose or Dundrennan.
Glenluce, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, DG8 0AF

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Heritage Highlight: Very well preserved 15th-century chapter house

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The name of this wonderfully atmospheric ruined abbey tells you a lot about its history. Sweetheart Abbey was founded in 1273 by Lady Devorgilla of Galloway, the widow of John Balliol, one of the most powerful noblemen of his day. When Balliol died in 1268, Devorgilla had his heart embalmed and placed in an ornate ivory casket, which she carried with her wherever she went for the next 22 years.
New Abbey, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, DG2 8BU

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Whithorn Priory stands on the site of the first Christian church in Scotland, founded by St Ninian in the 5th century. The priory later became the cathedral church of Galloway. Perhaps the best feature of the ruins is a beautifully carved Romanesque doorway. Near the Priory stands Whithorn Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of early Christian carved stones and crosses.
Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, DG8 8PY

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Heritage Highlight: Shrine of St Ninian

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