Iona Abbey

This 13th century abbey regarded by many as the holiest place in Scotland was founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563. It is considered as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland as it was from here that St Columba spread the word across the ancient kingdom.

Iona's historical and religious attractions include the abbey church and cloisters, St Columba's shrine, the site of St Columba's writing cell, and a superb collection of over 180 medieval carved stones and crosses.

In the Abbey graveyard, many early Scottish kings and chiefs, as well as kings from Ireland, Norway and France are buried.

This carefully restored Abbey retains much of its original beauty and spiritual atmosphere.