St Magnus Cathedral - Historic Norse cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall.

St Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline of Kirkwall, the main town of the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland. Built in striking red and yellow sandstone, it is the most northerly cathedral in the British Isles and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Scotland. Founded in 1137 during the rule of the Norse Earls of Orkney, the cathedral remains one of the islands' most important historic landmarks.

The cathedral was constructed for the bishops of Orkney and expanded over the following three centuries. Inside, visitors can admire impressive stone arches, stained glass windows and historic memorials. The building also has its own dungeon and sits beside other historic sites including the Bishop's Palace, which was built for Bishop William the Old when the diocese was under the authority of the Archbishop of Nidaros in Norway.

Plan your visit and discover the remarkable history and architecture of St Magnus Cathedral, a defining landmark of Kirkwall and one of Orkney's most significant heritage sites.

Find directions easily using Google Maps.