Iona Abbey & Nunnery

Iona Abbey
Iona Abbey is one of Scotland’s most historic and sacred sites, with a spiritual legacy stretching back over 1,450 years. It was founded in 563 AD by Saint Columba, an Irish monk who, along with twelve companions, established a monastery that became a vibrant center for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and northern Britain. The abbey flourished as an internationally renowned hub of spirituality, learning, and art, where important manuscripts like the Book of Kells were possibly produced. Despite enduring multiple Viking raids in the early centuries, the community persisted, leading to relics being moved for safekeeping. In the early 13th century, a Benedictine abbey was re-established on the original site by Ranald, son of Somerled, “King of the Isles.” After the Protestant Reformation in 1560, monastic life ceased, and the abbey fell into ruin. Significant restoration work began in the early 20th century under the Iona Cathedral Trust and continued from 1938 with the establishment of the Iona Community, an ecumenical Christian organization that continues to use the abbey for worship and as its spiritual home today. The site also includes Reilig Odhráin, an ancient burial ground believed to be the resting place of numerous early Scottish, Irish, and Norwegian kings.

Iona Nunnery
Located a short stroll from the ferry quay at Baile Mor, the Iona Nunnery represents one of the best-preserved medieval nunnery ruins in Britain. It was established around 1200 AD by Ranald, son of Somerled, at a similar time to the re-foundation of the Benedictine abbey. Ranald’s sister, Bethóc, became its first prioress, leading a community of Augustinian nuns. The nunnery church was locally known as ‘An Eaglais Dhubh’ or ‘the Black Church’, a reference to the nuns’ black habits. Unlike the abbey, the nunnery was not substantially rebuilt after its deconstruction during the Reformation in 1560, and its pink granite walls remain largely as ruins. The site includes visible remnants of the church (with an aisled nave, chancel, and north chapel), cloister, and other monastic buildings, some with finely carved architectural details. The Nunnery was a popular place for noblewomen from across Argyll to retire and was also a significant burial site for women from the island and surrounding areas.