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All 8 Kirkwall Attractions »

Saint Magnus Cathedral

Corner of Palace Rd. and Victoria, Kirkwall, Scotland
Ranked #1 of 6 attractions in Kirkwall
5.0 of 5 stars 42 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Religious Sites
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42 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Mims, Florida
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

The outside doesn't look like much but the inside is very beautiful. Worth the visit and the people there are very friendly and will answer any questions.

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Thunder Bay, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

My first venture into a historic cathedral and I was suitably impressed. The Cathedral towers over Kirkwall and is easily reachable. Take some time to explore the cemetery and see the centuries of history that are connected to Orkney.

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See 5 more reviews by Beverly S for Kirkwall
Montreal, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Simply spectacular! One of the finest in the UK. This is where St. Magnus' remain were re-buried. Individuals working at the Church will answer any question related to St. Magnus and the Orkneyinga saga.

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Talkeetna
Top Contributor
102 reviews 102 reviews
Reviews in 55 cities Reviews in 55 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

Built by Norwegians from 12th Century and as a Catholic Cathedral eventually came under Scottish rule and Church of Scotland but so many historical graves dating back hundreds of years. A must for anyone who has interest in history and architecture so much history in one place.

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Worcestershire
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

Fascinating building with a long and intersting history. Try and get a guided tour it will be worth it

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See 3 more reviews by DeeDeeWorcestershire for Kirkwall
Manchester, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Fascinating, especially the memorials. The architecture is early Romanesque and there are several interesting objects including a wooden statue of St Olav and staues of the founders, echoing the early history of the islands.

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See 3 more reviews by hilfor for Kirkwall
Salisbury, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2012

Beautiful stained glass - amazing architecture. Friendly welcome and easily accessible. Lots of information about the cathedral's history available for detailed examination.

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Orkney
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012

The upper floor tours are great value for money and give superb views of Kirkwall.

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See 4 more reviews by Viking59Orkney for Kirkwall
UK
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

Good proprtions, lovely stone. Shame about how red sandstone gets abraded after a thousand years or so.

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See 2 more reviews by Jon63 for Kirkwall
Thurso, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

What a place. Fantastic sandstone cathedral full of history and VERY old, make sure you take time to slowly wander round this fantastic tribute to Norse architecture.

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See 2 more reviews by ac w for Kirkwall

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