Iona Abbey, Iona  Scotland

Iona Abbey is run by Historic Scotland it is one of Scotland’s most historic and sacred sites. The abbey was founded by St Columba in AD 563. As a celebrated focus for Christian pilgrimage,

Iona Abbey location – the island of Iona in Scotland, the abbey church – retains many fine medieval features.

Iona is a holy isle, an symbol of Christianity in Scotland. St Columba and his followers 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 Abbey from the 7th century onwards. 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 died 1057.