St Magnus Cathedral
A red sandstone Romanesque cathedral begun in 1137 by a Viking earl, known as the 'Light of the North' and the northernmost cathedral in Britain.
St Magnus Cathedral was built by Earl Rognvald of Orkney in memory of his uncle, St Magnus. Constructed from red and yellow sandstone, its interior features heavy Romanesque round arches, and the stained-glass windows and centuries of gravestones are highlights. The cathedral belongs to the people of Kirkwall. Entry is free, though donations are welcome. Paid tours of the upper floors and tower are available in summer and must be booked in advance. The cathedral stands in the centre of Kirkwall, and a Sunday morning service is held.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat approx. 09:00–18:00; open Sunday afternoons (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- The Orkney Museum
- Bishop's and Earl's Palaces
- Kirkwall Old Town & Harbour
- Highland Park Distillery
- Scapa Distillery
- Churchill Barriers
- Italian Chapel
- Scapa Flow