Venue Description

This ancient holy place remains a vibrant centre of Christianity. Founded by St Columba in 563, the early monastery on Iona was a powerhouse of Christian learning. Great works of art were created here, including the world - famous Book of Kells. Thriving despite Viking raids, the abbey was transformed into a Benedicitine monastery in about 1200. Its buildings were restored in the 1900s and in 1938 the Iona Community was founded to revive its traditions of work, worship and teaching. Highlights include the abbey church, iconic high crosses, Columba's shrine and the site of the saint's writing cell. Iona also boasts Scotland's finest collection of carved stones and crosses, now on display in the Abbey Museum. 29 Mar to 30 Sept: Mon to sat, 9.30am to 5.30pm Sun, 12.30pm to 5.30pm Last entry 5pm 1 Oct to 28 Mar: Mon to Sat, 10am to 4pm Sun, 12.30pm to 4pm Last entry 3.30pm The abbey may close at short notice due to weather disruption to the ferry service. We recommend booking in advance to guarantee entry

Accessibility

Approach to site Approach along a single 600m road from the ferry pier uphill to the Abbey. Monument The Abbey complex sits within an area of well kept grass. From the entrance, a dust path brings visitors and vehicles to the buildings. The entrance to the church is stepped, though alternative access to the nave through the cloisters is step-free. Two sets of steps lead from the nave to the crossing. The choir runs from the east side of the crossing with a step at either end and two shallow steps take the visitor to the communion table. The cloisters are on the north side of the church. The four sides are level and the entrance is ramped. The Historic Scotland shop is in the north west corner of the cloisters. Shop access is through a tight, steep angled ramp and the floor slopes gently along the length of the shop. St Columba’s Shrine is to the left of the church’s main door. It is very small and has a narrow doorway. The museum and the Michael Chapel are two separate buildings on the seaward side of the Abbey complex. The dust path takes visitors round and both have steps nearer the entrance. It is possible to move on to the grass and gain access that way. Both buildings have shallow steps at the entrance to prevent flooding. The museum houses a collection of carved stones. The Oran Chapel is outside the grounds. A narrow gate leads to a narrow dust path which winds round the graveyard and to the door of the chapel. The door is wide with a step inside.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://www.historicenvironment.scot/access

Toilets

There are no toilets on site. The nearest adapted toilets are located at the Iona Community Shop opposite the Abbey.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.