Saint Magnus Cathedral
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Why go
- The Romanesque nave has tall arches and large round pillars.
Opening hours
Today09:00 – 17:00Show all
Don't miss
- HMS Royal Oak bellA bell from the ship hangs in the north choir aisle.North choir aisle
- 17th-century gravestonesCarvings show skulls, bones and hourglasses.Cathedral walls17th century
Know before you go
- Open Monday to Saturday, 09:00–17:00; Sunday, 13:00–17:00.
- Tourist visits pause during services and funerals. The cathedral may also close for weddings or funerals.
- Conservation work can cause noise. Floors are uneven, some routes have steps, and lighting is low.
Interesting facts7
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The cathedral is the oldest in Scotland and the most northerly in the United Kingdom.
St Magnus Cathedral - Wikipedia -
A dungeon between the choir and south transept served as a prison until as late as the 18th century.
St Magnus Cathedral - Wikipedia -
The dungeon’s bottle shape comes from the upward arch of its floor; its opening was originally a window.
St Magnus Cathedral - Wikipedia -
The smallest bell has no inscription or date and was never hung.
St Magnus Cathedral - Wikipedia -
The second bell also serves as the clock bell, struck by an external hammer.
St Magnus Cathedral - Wikipedia -
The narrow, high nave makes the cathedral seem larger than it is.
Cathédrale Saint-Magnus de Kirkwall - Wikipedia -
42 stops
The organ has 42 stops across three manuals and a pedal.
St.-Magnus-Kathedrale - Wikipedia
History
Rögnvald founded the cathedral in honour of St Magnus, whose relics were placed there when it was ready for consecration. Construction began in 1137 under Kol and continued over the next three centuries. Later work extended the east end and added Gothic features. The building narrowly escaped destruction in 1614; major 20th-century work replaced the tower top, and a new west window was unveiled in 1987.
- 1135After Magnus was canonised, his remains were moved to St Olaf’s Kirk.
- 1137Rögnvald founded the cathedral in honour of his uncle Magnus. Kol directed construction, which continued for about 300 years.
- late 12th and early 13th centuriesThe cathedral was extended eastward and gained vaulting.
- 14th centuryA new façade added Gothic features.
- 1614Bishop James Law stopped government forces from destroying the cathedral during an uprising.
Show all
- 1908Architect George Mackie Watson led major work, including replacing the tower top with a copper-clad spire.
- 1970sRestoration gained urgency after the west end was found at risk of separating from the rest of the building.
- 1987Queen Elizabeth II unveiled a new west window for the cathedral’s 850th anniversary.
Accessibility
- Step-free entry Wheelchair access is through the Bishop’s door on the south side.
Sources: St Magnus Cathedral - Wikipedia · Kirkwall - Wikivoyage (see) · St Magnus Cathedral - Orkney Museums · Video Tour - Orkney Museums · Cathédrale Saint-Magnus de Kirkwall - Wikipedia · St.-Magnus-Kathedrale - Wikipedia · checked 27 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +44 1856 874894
Questions and answers
What are Saint Magnus Cathedral’s opening hours?
It is open Monday to Saturday, 09:00–17:00, and Sunday, 13:00–17:00. Tourist visits pause during services and funerals.
Where is Saint Magnus Cathedral?
It stands on Broad Street in Kirkwall. The main doors are at the west end, facing Broad Street.
Is Saint Magnus Cathedral accessible by wheelchair?
Wheelchair access is through the Bishop’s door on the cathedral’s south side.
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