🏝️ Iona Abbey
United Kingdom
About This Sacred Site
Iona is a tiny island off the west coast of Scotland that holds an outsized place in Christian history. In 563 CE, the Irish monk Columba founded a monastery here that became one of the most important centers of early Christianity in Western Europe. From Iona, missionaries spread the faith throughout Scotland, northern England, and beyond. The Book of Kells, one of the greatest treasures of medieval art, is believed to have been created here. The restored Benedictine abbey remains an active ecumenical community and draws pilgrims from around the world.
Key Facts
- •St. Columba founded the monastery in 563 CE, arriving with 12 companions from Ireland
- •The Book of Kells is believed to have been begun here before being moved to Ireland
- •48 Scottish kings are said to be buried in the Rèilig Odhráin cemetery, including Macbeth
- •The Iona Community, founded in 1938, is an ecumenical Christian community
- •Viking raids devastated the monastery multiple times between 795 and 986 CE
Location
Coordinates: 56.3368, -6.3867
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