Orkney Historic Churches
The ruins of a 12th-century monastic church stand on the uninhabited island of Eynhallow, off Rousay. Eynhallow Church was used as a dwelling from the 16th century and was only discovered by accident.
Eynhallow,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland
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The Italian Chapel is 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.
Lamb Holm,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland, KW17 2RT
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Orphir Round Church is the last surviving round church in Scotland. Built in the 12th century, probably by Earl Hakon, whose feasting hall is located immediately beside the church. Both sites are located behind the Orkneyinga Centre, where you can learn about the Norse influence on Orkney and the history of the Orkneyinga Saga.
Orphir,
Mainland,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland
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A ruined and roofless medieval church looks out to sea at Pierowall on Westray Island. The major historic interest here is 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.
Pierowall,
Westray,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland
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A superb medieval cathedral begun in 1137 in honour of St Magnus, Earl Magnus of Orkney. The building is mostly Norman in character, built of alternating bands of red and yellow sandstone. The saint's bones are buried within a pillar in the nave.
Broad Street,
Kirkwall,
Mainland,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland, KW15 1NX
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Photos
of St Magnus Cathedral
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The roofless ruins of a 12th-century church stand in the north-west of the little isle of Egilsay, off the eastern 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.
Egilsay,
Skaill,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland
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The first cathedral on Orkney, established in AD 1064 by Earl Thorfinn. Earl Magnus was buried here after his murder in 1116. When miracles were reported at his grave the Earl was canonised as St Magnus and a new cathedral in Kirkwall was built to house his shrine. The church we see today dates from 1664, rebult in 1760.
Birsay,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland, KW17 2LX
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Heritage Highlight: The first burial place of St Magnus Orkney, dating to c. 1064
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Westside Church is 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 chancel. For many years it served as the parish church.
Tuquoy,
Westray,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland
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