Iona Abbey
 


 
 
Iona cemetery   In 563 St. Columba came from Ireland to the small island now called Iona. He and twelve companions founded a monastery. It developed as an influential center for the spread of Christianity among the Picts (more about Picts later) and Scots.

Iona Abbey is one of the oldest religious centers in Western Europe. It's now home to an ecumenical Christian religious order.

About 48 early Scottish kings may be buried here, as well as some from Norway and France. At any rate, important men rest in Ionian peace.

 
Pretty path to water with boats Celtic cross Doors and windows
The abbey survived repeated Viking attacks, but in 825 the monastery was burned and most of the monks retreated to Kells in Ireland. However, some stayed, and eventually the site became a Benedictine abbey.

  St. Martin's Cross has stood on the roadway by the Abbey since the 8th century. Well, this is a replica as the original is in a museum... but everything else here is the beautiful, real Iona Abbey.

   The present church began construction in 1203, and was expanded in the 1400s. The monks and the library were disbursed by 1560 as the Scottish Reformation kicked the Catholic church out of the country.
Ceiling Hall around courtyard Pillars around courtyard

Sculpture in courtyard Hall around courtyard with carved stones
     
Pillars around courtyard Sculpted hands Sculpted babe
 
Candles in hall Sculptures lying in state Flowers an wall
         
    Nunnery ruin   Cross incised in floor
         
The ancient nunnery at Iona has not been restored.

More about it anon.
  

Nunnery ruin
 
 
   
   
   

   
 


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