Iona Abbey, Scotland

Iona is a holy isle, an enduring symbol of Christianity in Scotland. It is one of the oldest and most important religious centres in Western Europe. St Columba and his 12 companions came here from Ireland in AD 563 and founded a monastery that became the heart of the early Scottish Church. St. Columba’s fame attracted pilgrims to Iona from the 7th century onwards. In 806, Vikings massacred 68 monks in Martyrs' Bay, and Columba's monks returned to Ireland, while other monks from Iona fled to the Continent, and established Monasteries in Belgium, France, and Switzerland. In 825, St Blathmac and those monks who had returned with him to Iona, were murdered in another Viking raid, and the Abbey burned. But the Abbey's importance continued.

Kings were crowned on Iona. The island also served as a burial ground for important and holy people from near and far. These included kings of Scotland, among them Macbeth in 1057.

A restored 13th-century medieval abbey now stands on the site of Columba’s church. Beside it stand tall, intricately carved preaching crosses, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries. Visitors follow a route to the abbey taken by pilgrims of old – Sràid nam Marbh, ‘the street of the dead’. Iona has witnessed 1,500 years of religious activity. Today that deeply spiritual force continues through the work of the Iona Community.

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September
Daily: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

1 October - 31 March
Daily: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

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Ticket Prices

Adult £5.50
Child £3.30
Concession £4.40

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Disabled Facilities

It is uphill from the ferry to the abbey, a walk of a quarter of a mile, however, a pre-booked taxi is available which can also carry folded wheelchairs. To book, telephone 0781 032 5990.

Access around the abbey, grounds, shop and cloister areas is generally good with ramps provided to cover most steps. Assistance can also be provided on request.

Wheelchairs are available at the Abbey. Accesible public toilets are nearby at the Iona Community shop(9.30 to 5pm). Wheelchair access can be gained through the shop when open however there are no special facilities.

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More Information

Telephone: 01681 700 512

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