St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall: The Light in the North

Explore Scotland’s oldest cathedral, a stunning medieval masterpiece and spiritual heart of Orkney, rich with Norse history and vibrant cultural life.

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St Magnus Cathedral

St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney, is Scotland’s oldest and most northerly cathedral, founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald in honor of his uncle, St Magnus. Built from striking red and yellow sandstone, it is a magnificent example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The cathedral holds the relics of St Magnus and serves as a spiritual and cultural heart for Orkney, hosting services, concerts, and festivals.

A brief summary to St Magnus Cathedral

Broad St, Kirkwall, KW15 1DH, GB
+441856874894
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

Visit the upper levels by booking a guided tour in advance to enjoy panoramic views of Kirkwall and the cathedral’s intricate architecture.
Check opening hours seasonally; the cathedral closes for weddings and funerals, so look for notices on-site.
Donations are appreciated to help maintain the cathedral, which offers free admission.
Explore the nearby St Magnus Centre for additional insights into Orkney’s history and the cathedral’s significance.

Getting There

Bus

Regular local bus services connect Kirkwall town center to St Magnus Cathedral, with a 10-15 minute journey from Kirkwall bus station. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4. Services run frequently during the day but reduce in the evening.
Car

Driving to St Magnus Cathedral is straightforward via the A961 road into Kirkwall. Parking is limited near the cathedral; nearby public car parks are available with charges around £1-£2 per hour. Allow 15-20 minutes for parking and walking to the cathedral.
Walking

If staying in Kirkwall, the cathedral is centrally located and easily accessible on foot within 10-20 minutes from most town accommodations. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchair users.
Ferry and Taxi

Visitors arriving via ferry at Kirkwall Pier can take a taxi to the cathedral in about 5 minutes. Taxi fares typically range from £5-£10 depending on time and luggage.

St Magnus Cathedral location weather suitability

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Discover more about St Magnus Cathedral

Origins Rooted in Norse Heritage

St Magnus Cathedral was founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald, nephew of Magnus Erlendsson, the martyred Earl of Orkney who was canonized in 1135. Rognvald vowed to build a grand stone minster in Kirkwall to honor his saintly uncle, a promise inspired by his desire to reclaim family rights and commemorate Magnus’s sainthood. The cathedral was constructed primarily from local red sandstone quarried near Kirkwall and yellow sandstone from the island of Eday, creating a distinctive polychromatic chequerboard pattern that enhances its visual appeal. Work on the building spanned over three centuries, resulting in a blend of Romanesque and early Gothic architectural elements.

Architectural Grandeur and Symbolism

The cathedral’s design features soaring sandstone columns, exposed brickwork arches, and intricately carved tombstones dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The interior includes memorials to prominent Orcadians, such as Victorian Arctic explorer Dr John Rae and missionary William Baikie. A notable feature is the west stained-glass window, commissioned for the cathedral’s 850th anniversary in 1987, which bathes the nave in colorful light. The building’s tower, topped with a tall steeple added between 1913 and 1930, offers panoramic views of Kirkwall and the surrounding Orkney landscape.

Survival Through Turbulent Times

Despite the sweeping changes of the Scottish Reformation and political upheavals, St Magnus Cathedral remarkably survived largely unscathed. While many cathedrals lost treasures and decorations, St Magnus’s walls were whitewashed but the structure remained intact. In 1614, government forces besieged Kirkwall Castle and intended to destroy the cathedral after rebels had taken refuge inside, but intervention by the bishop prevented its demolition. The cathedral’s resilience through centuries of conflict adds to its historical significance.

Spiritual and Cultural Beacon

Today, St Magnus Cathedral continues as an active place of worship within the Church of Scotland and is the only wholly medieval cathedral in Scotland still holding the bones of its original saint interred within the choir pillars. It hosts regular church services, weddings, funerals, and cultural events including concerts, art exhibitions, and the St Magnus International Festival. The cathedral remains a focal point for pilgrimage and local identity, embodying Orkney’s Norse heritage and spiritual traditions.

Visitor Experience and Unique Features

Visitors can explore the cathedral’s nave, aisles, and tombs, and book guided tours of the upper levels and tower for spectacular views and closer inspection of architectural details. The cathedral also houses a rare dungeon known as 'Marwick’s Hole,' historically used until the 1700s, adding a layer of intrigue to the site. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support upkeep. The cathedral’s central location in Kirkwall makes it accessible and a must-see landmark for visitors to Orkney.

Legacy and Preservation

Ownership of the cathedral passed to the people of Kirkwall by royal charter in 1486, and it has been carefully maintained through restoration efforts, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These works uncovered historical artifacts, including a skull with an axe wound consistent with the martyrdom of St Magnus. The cathedral’s preservation ensures that this remarkable testament to medieval architecture and Norse history continues to inspire and educate future generations.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

First Nations And Orcadian Totem Pole

10.1 km

A striking wooden monument in Orkney symbolizing friendship and shared heritage between First Nations and Orcadian cultures.

Churchill Barriers

10.5 km

Historic WWII causeways in Orkney that safeguarded Scapa Flow and now link islands with a rich legacy of resilience and culture.

The Cannon

19.8 km

Historic cannon from an American privateer, set against the stunning backdrop of Stromness harbour’s maritime heritage.

John O'Groats Signpost

38.1 km

Britain's most iconic signpost marks the legendary endpoint of the 874-mile Land's End to John o' Groats journey.

Knap of Howar

41.0 km

Explore Knap of Howar, a Neolithic gem in Orkney, showcasing ancient architecture and breathtaking coastal landscapes.

Dunnet Head Lighthouse

42.0 km

Experience the stunning beauty and rich heritage of Dunnet Head Lighthouse, Scotland's northernmost landmark with breathtaking coastal views.

Bucholie Castle

45.5 km

Discover the rich history and stunning views of Bucholie Castle, an enchanting historical landmark in Nybster, near Wick, Scotland.

Above and Beyond Tours

45.8 km

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Caithness with Above and Beyond Tours, where adventure meets local expertise in Scotland's stunning north.

Mary Ann's Cottage

45.9 km

Explore the fascinating history of Caithness at Mary Ann's Cottage, a charming museum showcasing 19th-century life and culture.

Caithness Broch Centre

47.8 km

Explore the ancient Iron Age at the Caithness Broch Centre, a unique attraction that unveils the mysteries of Scotland's historic broch structures.

Nybster Broch

48.3 km

Discover the enchanting Nybster Broch, an ancient Iron Age site in Scotland offering a unique glimpse into Pictish history amidst stunning coastal vistas.

Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))

49.1 km

Discover the ancient ruins of St. Coomb Chapel, a 6th-century site near Castletown that reveals Scotland’s early Christian heritage.

Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))

Castlehill Heritage Centre

49.2 km

Discover the captivating history and culture of Castletown at the Castlehill Heritage Centre, a unique museum in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Old Keiss Castle

50.0 km

Perched on Caithness cliffs, Old Keiss Castle’s dramatic ruins tell the tale of Sinclair nobility and Scotland’s turbulent history.

Whitegate broch

50.5 km

An atmospheric Iron Age broch perched on a Caithness headland, offering dramatic sea views and a powerful sense of Scotland’s ancient past.

Unmissable attractions to see

Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces

0.1 km

Explore Kirkwall’s medieval and Renaissance palaces where Norse kings and notorious earls shaped Orkney’s history.

The Orkney Museum

0.1 km

Discover Orkney’s story from ancient times to today in the historic Tankerness House, home to nationally significant archaeology and vibrant cultural exhibits.

The Tankerness House

0.1 km

Explore Orkney’s rich history in the stunning 16th-century Tankerness House, home to the internationally significant Orkney Museum.

Badly Drawn Cat

0.1 km

A cozy vegan café and art gallery in Kirkwall blending plant-based delights with local creativity and friendly charm.

Spirit of Orkney

0.3 km

Explore the historic heart of Kirkwall where Orkney’s rich Norse heritage and vibrant local culture come alive.

The Orkney Distillery & Visitor Centre

0.3 km

Discover Orkney’s hand-crafted spirits and rich heritage at Kirkwall’s vibrant distillery and visitor centre on the historic harbour front.

Orkney Wireless Museum

0.3 km

Explore a century of wireless communication and wartime heritage in Orkney’s volunteer-run museum with interactive exhibits and rare memorabilia.

Grain Earth House

1.1 km

Discover the enchanting Grain Earth House, a historical landmark in Kirkwall, Orkney, showcasing ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Highland Park Whisky Distillery

1.5 km

Explore the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery, blending Viking heritage and Orkney’s unique peat smoke into world-renowned single malts.

Scapa Beach

2.4 km

Discover the tranquil beauty and rich maritime history of Scapa Beach, a scenic coastal gem near Kirkwall in Orkney.

Wideford Hill Scenic View

3.8 km

A quiet Orkney hilltop with sweeping views over Kirkwall, the Bay of Firth, and the surrounding countryside, perfect for panoramic photos and peaceful reflection.

Wideford Hill Cairn

4.2 km

Explore Wideford Hill Cairn, a majestic 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb in Orkney, blending ancient architecture with celestial mysteries and stunning views.

Rennibister Earth House

5.5 km

Discover the Rennibister Earth House, a prehistoric marvel nestled in the Orkney Islands, embodying ancient heritage and natural beauty.

Sheila Fleet Kirk Gallery & Café

6.8 km

Handcrafted Orkney jewellery in a restored church, where ancient enamelling techniques meet contemporary design.

Waulkmill Bay

8.0 km

Discover Waulkmill Bay, Orkney’s peaceful golden beach with stunning Scapa Flow views and a hidden coastal charm perfect for picnics and nature lovers.

A family-run British restaurant with rooms offering exquisite local cuisine and stunning countryside views in Kirkwall, Orkney.

A cozy Kirkwall café and crafts shop offering homemade treats and unique handcrafted garden furniture and cards.

Celina Rupp Jewellery

10.0 km

Handcrafted Orkney jewellery and café where island stories become wearable art.

A cozy Highland village pub offering hearty meals, real ales, and warm hospitality in the scenic community of Keiss.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall: The Light in the North

A brief summary to St Magnus Cathedral

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Car

Walking

Ferry and Taxi

St Magnus Cathedral location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of St Magnus Cathedral

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about St Magnus Cathedral

Origins Rooted in Norse Heritage

Architectural Grandeur and Symbolism

Survival Through Turbulent Times

Spiritual and Cultural Beacon

Visitor Experience and Unique Features

Legacy and Preservation

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

First Nations And Orcadian Totem Pole

Churchill Barriers

The Cannon

John O'Groats Signpost

Knap of Howar

Dunnet Head Lighthouse

Bucholie Castle

Above and Beyond Tours

Mary Ann's Cottage

Caithness Broch Centre

Nybster Broch

Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))

Castlehill Heritage Centre

Old Keiss Castle

Whitegate broch

Unmissable attractions to see

Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces

The Orkney Museum

The Tankerness House

Badly Drawn Cat

Spirit of Orkney

The Orkney Distillery & Visitor Centre

Orkney Wireless Museum

Grain Earth House

Highland Park Whisky Distillery

Scapa Beach

Wideford Hill Scenic View

Wideford Hill Cairn

Rennibister Earth House

Sheila Fleet Kirk Gallery & Café

Waulkmill Bay

Essential places to dine

Lucano

The Orkney Hotel

Trenabies Cafe Bistro

Empire Chinese Restaurant

Twenty One

Pomona Cafe

The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms

Busters Diner

Bothy Bar

Happy Haddock

Dil Se Restaurant

Helgi's

The Shore

Sakura Kitchen

The Foveran

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Judith Glue

The Longship

Aurora Jewellery

Blue Joe's

Starlings

Logo Orkney

Orkney Tweed

Kairds

Poundstretcher

The Orcadian Bookshop