St. Magnus Cathedral

Click on any photo for a more detailed view.

Construction on the Cathedral began in 1137. It was built by St. Rognwald (pronounced "Ronald"!) in honor of his uncle, St. Magnus. St. Magnus' remains were discovered hidden in a pillar in 1970.

The Cathedral has housed Catholics, Anglicans and Presbyterians, complying with whatever the "official" religion was at the time.

St. Magnus is one of the few cathedrals in Europe with its own dungeon.

The view of St. Magnus from our hotel room.
The Cathedral's Visitors' Center -- hot coffee and a snack -- a welcome respite from the rain.
The baptismal font behind the main altar is modern. It is decorated with colored stones collected by children from the various areas of Scotland.
 Part of a large display of the history of the cathedral, also created by children. We think they may have had some help! More of the display can be seen to the left, behind the baptismal font.
Well worth a visit are the ruins of the Earl's Palace and the Bishop's Palaces, both near the cathedral. The fireplace at left here in the main meeting hall is said to be the largest ever built in those times.
A plaque marking the pillar containing the remains of St. Rognvald. On the opposite side of the Cathedral is a similar plaque marking the location of the remains of St. Magnus. No one has been able to find any records of the canonization of St. Rognwald, but don't tell that to the locals. (... or Ron who swears he is a rightful heir to the virtues of his ancient namesake.)
One of the many memorials in the cathedral. The text was illegible to us. We only read "In hope of a... entered... bodies... Cuthbert ... Wallace.... Wallace... Children" The door of the cathedral. The weathered sandstone clearly shows its years but is perhaps even more impressive for that.