Iona Abbey, Beauty and History in One

 

Floating in the Irish Sea is the tiny and tranquil island or isle of Iona.  Approximately three miles long and one mile wide, nearly everything is within walking distance.  There are few cars and only the most necessary businesses running in the main village.  Even the bank comes over on a ferry in the form of a bank van.  This helps keep the island the peaceful sanctuary it has been for centuries.

The most famous of Iona’s sights is probably her abbey.  First built by St. Columba when he came over from Ireland in 563AD, the abbey was rebuilt and enlarged in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.  Stepping inside the abbey is like stepping back in time.  Everywhere you look is history…masonry marks, rough stones, iron work, hard wood benches…its all there.

To the casual viewer, the stonework and wooden arches of the monastery may hold little of the grandness of places like Westminster Abbey in London, but therein is its greatness.  The Abbey holds the rugged beauty of the Isle in its rough hewn stonework and wooden beams.

If you’re on a tour, which is probably the wisest choice for anyone not a native, it may seem like you don’t have the time to see everything, but take time.  Relax and enjoy this quiet spot.  Squeeze the rest in if you can, but Iona Abbey should not be rushed.

IONA ABBEY

 THE NUNNERY (ruins)

Built in the early 13th century, the Augustinian nunnery was constructed with an interesting pink stone.  It is a quiet spot and well worth the visit after the Abbey.

ST. ORAN'S CHAPEL

The old medieval road, also known as the Road of the Dead, runs from the abbey to St. Oran's Chapel and the oldest Christian cemetery in Scotland.

IONA

(This final picture is the Isle of Mull from Iona.)

CALEDONIAN MACBRAYNE FERRY

On a final note, the Caledonian MacBrayne tours are probably the best way to see not only Iona, but also the Isle of Mull.  Their drivers are experts in driving the single lane roads required to get to Iona.  They have plenty of local history available to share as you ride.  This also frees you up to take pictures of the many sights that appear along the way.

Please do not use any of these pictures without permission.