The cathedral was built to house the remains of Saint Magnus, who was killed on the island of Egilsay in 1117.
The structure features a 'dungeon' or prison pit beneath the West Tower, formerly used to house local prisoners.
The exterior walls display distinct color-banding due to the use of two different local sandstone quarries.
It is one of the few cathedrals in the UK that is owned by the local municipality, not the state or the church.
In 1919, skeletal remains found in a hidden pillar were identified as those of Saint Magnus.
The cathedral contains a replica of the original wooden casket that held Saint Magnus's bones.
The structure survived the Scottish Reformation relatively intact, unlike many other medieval Scottish cathedrals.
The cathedral’s floor includes several 17th-century 'table' gravestones which are elevated above the ground.
The spire was added in the early 20th century, replacing a previous version destroyed by a lightning strike in the 17th century.
St Magnus Cathedral is the northernmost cathedral in the United Kingdom, founded in 1137 by Jarl Rognvald Kali Kolsson. Built from alternating layers of red sandstone and yellow shelly sandstone, it serves as a distinct example of Romanesque architecture. It was constructed to house the relics of Saint Magnus, the patron saint of Orkney. The cathedral remains an active place of worship and a central landmark in the town of Kirkwall. It features an intact medieval choir and transepts, alongside 17th-century additions. The building is officially owned by the burgh of Kirkwall rather than the Church of Scotland, a unique legal arrangement dating to 1486. The interior contains significant burial monuments, including those of notable Orcadian figures.
From the adjacent Earl's Palace courtyard, which frames the cathedral towers against the skyline.
Walk the perimeter of the building to observe the varying sandstone colors.
Look for the graffiti carvings on the exterior walls, some of which date back several centuries.
Check the notice board for organ recital times, which showcase the cathedral's exceptional acoustics.
Ignoring the historical information placards; visitors often walk through without reading the context provided in the nave.
Occasional closures for weddings or private services; check local municipal signage.
Maintain silence as it remains an active place of worship; avoid photographing during services.
