• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

ZigZag On Earth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

Follow Us on PinterestFollow Us on FacebookFollow Us on RSS
  • FRANCE
    • CORSICA
    • NORMANDY
    • PARIS
  • EUROPE ROAD TRIPS
    • ANDALUCIA – coming soon
    • CANARY ISLANDS
    • GREECE
      • CRETE
      • SANTORINI
    • ICELAND
    • ICELAND – WINTER
    • PORTUGAL
    • SCOTLAND
    • SLOVENIA
  • REST OF THE WORLD
    • NEW ZEALAND
    • OMAN
  • EBOOKS
  • TIPS
  • PUZZLES
  • ABOUT

Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus, the Light of the North – Video, Photos, Info

Last updated on September 18, 2016 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Founded by the Viking Earl Rognvald in 1137, the Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus is the most Northerly cathedral in the UK. Known as the 'Light of the North', its particularities are the use of local red sandstone and colorful stained glass windows.

St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall Cathedral

Navigate back to the complete Travel Scotland Guide


Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus - Video

Let's start with a short video to give you an idea of this magnificent building:


INFO & PLANNING TIPS - St Magnus Kirkwall Cathedral

The St Magnus Kirkwall Cathedral is often described as "one of the finest and best preserved medieval cathedrals in Scotland". Do not miss what is considered one of the top thing to do in Orkney.

TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS

How to get to St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall

  • In the center of Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney islands
  • 20min drive from Stromness

Visiting the Kirkwall Cathedral

  • Kirkwall St Magnus Cathedral opening times: Apr to Sep: 9am to 6pm except Sundays: 1pm to 6PM and in Winter, Mon to Sat: 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
  • Entry is free of charge
  • Plan 30min to 1h
  • According to the Orkney Island council website: Tours of the upper levels and belfry are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11am and 2pm for a fee. Book with the Custodian at 01856874894.

Kirkwall Cathedral View from the People's Palace

The St Magnus Cathedral dominates the Skyline in Kirkwall. The best place to admire it in its entirety is from the top of the Bishop Palace Tower. 

A narrow staircase takes you to platform from which you can admire the cathedral from the side. Its red color is really striking.

View of St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall Orkney 1
View of St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall Orkney 2
View of St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall Orkney  3

Kirwall Cathedral Facts

  • Constructions started in 1137. it was eexpanded in 1192 and enlarged in the 1400s
  • It is dedicated to St Magnus, an Earl of Orkney who was murdered by his cousin - You can learn more about its history on Undiscover Scotland
  • The attractiveness of the building is party due to the alternative use of red and yellow sandstones.
  • The red sandstone is from the Head of Holland North of Kirkwall
  • The Yellow sandstones is believed to be from Eday, one of the Northern isles of Orkney.
  • A lot of the exterior stonework is from the medieval era
  • It is the most northerly cathedral in the UK

Exterior of St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall

From the outside, have a look at the red and yellow sandstones especially above the doors.

The Frontal facade is quite austere but on the day I visited, there was the exposition with poppies set up at the entrance.

Exterior Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 1
Exterior Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 2
Exterior Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 3

Below is a close up of one of the doorways for you to admire the fine work of alternating red and yellow sandstones.

Exterior Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 4

As you get inside the cathedral, the red sandstone appears pink:

Exterior Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus stone

Inside the Kirkwall Cathedral

The inside is quite impressive. The nave is tall and narrow so it looks a lot bigger than it is when you look from the outside.

Inside Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 1
Inside Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 3

The ceiling of the side corridors are also fascinating. There is an interesting atmosphere in this Cathedral, probably due to the small windows and narrow nave.

Inside Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 2
Inside Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 4
Inside Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 5

Stained glass at St Magnus Kirkwall Cathedral

The Stained glasses windows in the Kirkwall Cathedral are very colorful, some with modern colors and style.

Stained Glass Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 1
Stained Glass Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 2
Stained Glass Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 3
Stained Glass Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 4

Sculptures in the Kirkwall Cathedral

Statues and relics are displayed all aorund the Kirkwall Cathedral:

Sculptures Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 1
Sculptures Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 2
Sculptures Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 3
Sculptures Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus 4

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.

PREVIOUS: 

MAESHOWE CHAMBERED CAIRN

NEXT: 

EARL'S PALACE KIRKWALL

Travel Scotland Destination Guide

​


YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

The Royal Mile Edinburgh (Scotland) – Map + Best stops + Walk + Photos
Read More 
Visit Edinburgh Castle Scotland – Video, Photos, Planning Info
Read More 
Loch Maree (Scotland) – Viewpoints + Beinn Eighe Reserve
Read More 

Love sharing? Here is another pin for you:

St Magnus Cathedral - Kirkwall Cathedral Pin

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search my ZigZags

 Pinterest Facebook RSS

Hi! I’m Claire

ZigZag On Earth photo

I am the Travel Planning Geek behind the ZigZag Travel Guides. My goal is to provide you with clear and practical information to help you plan unforgettable trips! Read more

ZigZag On Earth photo

Footer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Search

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

 

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guides

Copyright © 2020 ZigZag On Earth · Log in

If you continue browsing this site we assume you agree with the use of cookies in this website.OkRead more