Last week while taking a tour around some of the Western Isles, we made a visit to Iona Abbey, on the island of Iona.
Iona is a small island just of the West Coast of Scotland. You generally access it by getting to the Isle of Mull first, from Oban on the mainland, and then via the regular half-hour ferry that runs between Fionnport on Mull, and Iona.
The abbey is one of the most important Christian sites in Scotland, as it was here that St Columba landed in 563, having travelled from Ireland, and established a monastery. From this location, they then spread Christianity throughout Scotland.
By todays standards, the abbey's location is quite remote - it isnt the easiest place to get to. However, back in its day, the sea routes around Scotland were the easiest way to travel around the country, and hence its location was quite well suited for the spread of Christianity.
The abbey is not grand or overly large - but is very beautiful. The origins of the abbey we see today date back to around the 12th century, although as with the majority of abbeys in the UK, it fell into ruin after King Henry VIIIs reformation (in the 16th century) when he fell out with the catholic church/pope. The abbey was then rebuilt less than one hundred years ago, in the 20th century.
The Abbey cloister is simply stunning, consisting of a typical enclosed garden space surrounded by a covered walkway.
The beautiful sculpture above takes the centre position in the cloister.
The carving work on the column supports are pretty impressive.
There are lots of beautiful elements of carving work all around the abbey, both recent and ancient. Above is a more recent carving of the symbol of the Holy Roman Empire.
Iona and the western side of Scotland is also famous for its carved stone crosses and grave markers. Above we see one the of stunning stone crosses standing outside the abbey.
Within a museum at the back of the abbey, are lots of preserved stone carvings, some of them dating back to around the 7th century.
The carving above is a great example of a west of Scotland grave marker - which can be found in a number of places, although the church at Kilmartin sticks out as a specific example as it has a large collection of them.
The modern font above is also another beautiful piece of modern carving - supported on its marble legs.
The abbey attracts many pilgrims, both religious and non-religious, due to its history and beautiful remote location. Iona is popular with tourists, as the island itself is stunning, with the majority also visiting the abbey, as it is the main attraction there. The island itself is small enough that you can easily explore the majority of it by foot.
This was about our 3rd or 4th trip to Iona and the abbey. We really love island hopping on the west coast, with Iona being one of our favourites.
Although not as grand and overly decorated like other important churches and cathedrals, I think part of Iona's attraction is its simplicity, along with its history and heritage.
It was great to explore the abbey again, and I'm sure we will be back to see the beautiful island of Iona again at some point in the future.
These are lovely pictures of a very interesting place. Thanks a lot for sharing!
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It is a fantastic place - I'm glad you liked the post !
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Wow! It is so big and the designs and architectures really tell how old this church is. This is indeed a part of history.
It really is a historic place - and to me thats what comes out when you are there. Its quite important from a Scottish perspective.
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Wow, that is a really beautiful location. I love the carved crosses, those are probably my favorite part of the whole thing. It's interesting to imagine how things must have been different back in the day. Areas that were once remote are now not so much and areas that weren't are now a bit harder to get to.
Yes, the carved crosses are really impressive.
Thats a picture of some of the even older ones from the Abbey museum, for which only some fragments remain. The one at the front dated from the 7th century I think (only 1300 years old !!!).
And yes, the story of the sea routes from those times are quite interesting. As a result, the island and the abbey was attacked/sacked a number of times by the Vikings ! And Norway even took control of the Abbey and Island for a number of years at one point ! Its mind boggling !
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Wow, 1300 years is nuts to think about. Hard for us over in the states to really wrap our heads around!
Aye - thats even pretty old by Scottish standards !
What a beautiful place! Aside from all the history it has. Without a doubt, despite the remoteness, it is worth visiting. Beautiful pictures! thanks for sharing:)
Many thanks - it is a pretty awesome place !
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