Kirkwall and St. Magnus Cathedral: A Blend of History and Architecture
2025-03-05
Kirkwall, the vibrant capital of Scotland's Orkney Islands, is a town where history, culture, and natural beauty come together. From its roots as a Viking settlement to its role as a hub of life in the northern isles, Kirkwall offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Read on to learn more about Kirkwall and its most famous landmark, St Magnus Cathedral.
Saint Magnus Cathedral
St Magnus Cathedral is an iconic symbol of the Orkney Islands and stands tall as a testament to nearly 900 years of history. It is known to be the oldest cathedral in Scotland and is perhaps the most iconic landmark in Kirkwall. It is located at the centre of Kirkwall, which is 13 kilometres from Church Barriers in the south and 16 kilometres from Orkney’s neolithic sites in the west.
St Magnus Cathedral is an architectural marvel, combining Romanesque and Gothic styles. The current form of the cathedral is the result of 300 years of additions and annexations.
Walking into St Magnus Cathedral, visitors are immediately drawn to the grandeur of the nave, with its towering pillars and beautiful stained-glass windows. Inside, the cathedral’s vaulted ceilings and tall arches create a sense of awe and wonder.
St Magnus Cathedral remains a living, breathing part of the Kirkwall community. Regular services are still held here, including weddings, funerals, and important local ceremonies.
The blend of old and new is what makes it feel so alive.
The Bishop and Earl's Palace
Adjacent to Saint Magnus Cathedral lies the Earl's Palace, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. This palace was built to satisfy the ambitions of the 2nd Earl of Orkney, who found the existing Bishop's Palace inadequate for his needs. Despite its grandeur, the palace's history is marred by tales of battles, imprisonments, and trials, making it as much a site of drama as of architectural beauty.
The palace’s proximity to the Bishop’s Palace makes it easy to explore both landmarks in one visit. The Bishop’s Palace is a 12th-century structure built alongside St Magnus Cathedral to serve as a residence for the bishop of Orkney. You can visit the Earl's and Bishop's Palaces under a single ticket.
The Orkney Museum
A visit to the Orkney Museum offers an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the Orkney Islands. It revolves around a history spanning from the Stone Age to modern times.
The museum is situated in the beautiful Tankerness House, a 16th-century building rich in its own history. It was originally known as the Tankerness House Museum, and it was renamed The Orkney Museum in 1999.
The museum’s archaeology collection is nationally significant, showcasing artefacts from pivotal eras such as the Stone Ages and the Viking settlements. It is open Monday to Saturday with free entry and is a must-visit destination for history buffs.
Orkney Wireless Museum
For a more niche but equally fascinating experience, the Orkney Wireless Museum celebrates the evolution of communication technology. This charming museum houses an extensive collection of domestic and military wireless equipment.
The collections trace the evolution of communication technology from the early days of crystal sets to modern transistorised devices. The artefacts highlight Orkney's strategic importance during World War II. Among the museum's collections are photographs documenting the construction of the Churchill Barriers, built to protect Scapa Flow from enemy advances.
Run entirely by dedicated local volunteers, the museum is also a testament to community spirit. Located on Junction Road, the museum is open to visitors from April through September.
Highland Park Distillery
No visit to Kirkwall is complete without exploring Highland Park Distillery, the northernmost whisky distillery in Scotland. It is less than 2 kilometres from St Magnus Cathedral and is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.
The distillery combines centuries-old craftsmanship with local ingredients, such as Orkney peat, to create its signature rich and smoky single malts. Visitors can take guided tours of the place to learn about the traditional whisky-making process.
Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
Just a short drive from Kirkwall, the Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn provides a window into Orkney’s Neolithic past, dating back to 3000 BCE. Excavated in 1901, the cairn revealed the remains of at least eight human burials alongside the skulls of 24 small dogs. The presence of dog skulls may suggest that dogs held symbolic significance in Neolithic culture.
The cairn is on top of a hill, which requires a 5-minute walk. Visitors must crawl on their hands and knees through the original passage to enter the central chamber. Once inside, a wonderland awaits as the quiet and dimly lit space evokes a sense of connection to the ancient past.
Festivals and Events in Kirkwall
Kirkwall comes alive with festivals and events throughout the year. These events are a testament to the city’s cultural heritage and unique identity. Here are some of the most popular events that you can check out in 2025:
- St Magnus International Festival, held annually in June, is one of the most celebrated arts festivals in Scotland. The event transforms Kirkwall and the surrounding islands into a stage for world-class performances.
- The Orkney Nature Festival is another important event and is a celebration of Orkney’s stunning landscapes. Held in May, the festival offers a mix of activities to connect participants with nature.
- The Orkney Folk Festival is a four-day event in May that draws musicians and audiences from near and far to celebrate traditional and contemporary folk music. Local artists share the stage with international acts, blending Orkney’s musical heritage with global influences.
- The Orkney Storytelling Festival in October is a tribute to the oral traditions that have shaped Orkney’s history and culture. This cosy and intimate festival brings together storytellers from Orkney and beyond to share tales of myth, legend, and everyday life.
Kirkwall is a town where history and culture come together to offer an unforgettable experience. After exploring St Magnus Cathedral and Kirkwall’s many museums and historic sites, consider extending your journey with a stay in Stromness. The Stromness Hotel provides an excellent base for those venturing further into the Orkney Islands.
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