We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Saint Magnus Cathedral

Corner of Palace Rd. and Victoria, Kirkwall, Scotland
1856874894
Update attraction details
Ranked #3 of 13 attractions in Kirkwall
Type: Historic Sites, Religious Sites
65 visitor photos
Write a Review

179 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    132
    45
    2
    0
    0
Date Rating
Houston, Texas
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

We visited St Magnus Cathedral as part of a private tour with Orkney Uncovered. We really enjoyed being guided around this old cathedral. We still cannot believe there was once a dungeon within the cathedral. An interesting place!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Angela M for Kirkwall
Inverness, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

In excellent state of preservation, lovely stained glass windows and interesting memorials. A real feeling of history when you walk into it. I was interested to see the plaque about Lord Birsay as I knew him at one time.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Scotland
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

Visit St Magnus on a sunny day and the red stonework glows. It is awe inspiring and intimate at the same time. Simple solid strong architecture. Perhaps because Orkney is so remote it was never 'improved' in later centuries and remains very much as it would have been in the early middle ages. Dedicated to St Magnus, very much a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

We visited St Magnus Cathedral as part of our tour to the Orkney's. Very interesting history and it is free to visit.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Thomas B for Kirkwall
Penrith, United Kingdom
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013

St Magnus's story is rooted back in Scandinavian invasion. occupation and conversion.This cathedral built in C12th and he is buried here (right hand main pillar, recently discovered) and it is quite different to those of England, though built as a catholic church it is now Presbyterian...there can not be many non-conformist cathedrals in the UK! Hence there is a distinct... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by JohnatPales for Kirkwall
Forres, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

Full of history. Read up on the life of John Rae, and go to the Cathedral visitor centre first. Try and go on one of the high level tours. It's excellent

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by TimEileenGriffith for Kirkwall
Inverness, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

Perhaps the most beautiful building north of Edinburgh! Please allow time to look inside, there is so much to see.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Ab_roody for Kirkwall
Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

Very well informed customdian will take small groups on a tour of the parts of the cathedral you don't usually get to see culminating in a walk round the spire. Very interesting and the views once you get to the top are wonderful on a clear day.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by jmr192 for Kirkwall
Durham, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2013

We love to visit this splendid Cathedral and always find something new to look at. an inspiring building, as impressive in its way as The Italian Chapel

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by samsmum43 for Kirkwall
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2013 via mobile

One of the nicest cathedrals I have visited this far. Not the biggest or most impressive, but it's still looking as it must have looked like in the old days. Impressive to see the bell of the ship that was sunk by the U boat near Orkney. Worth a visit. No admission fee.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by annejanz for Kirkwall

Travelers who viewed Saint Magnus Cathedral also viewed

Mainland, Orkney Islands
Orkney Islands, Scotland
 
Kirkwall, Mainland
Mainland, Orkney Islands
 

Been to Saint Magnus Cathedral? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Saint Magnus Cathedral, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing