Historic churches in Orkney Islands

Historic Churches of Orkney

Orkney’s religious landscape spans over 800 years, from the 12th-century red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall to the hand-painted Italian Chapel built by prisoners of war during WWII. These sites reflect the islands' Norse heritage and wartime history, featuring architectural highlights such as the rare round tower of Egilsay and the 17th-century ruins of Lady Kirk on Westray. Many locations provide insight into early Christian life and medieval craftsmanship across the archipelago.

Gregory J Kingsley / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Italian Chapel

The Italian Chapel is a highly ornate Catholic chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands.

Stevekeiretsu / CC BY-SA 3.0

Saint Magnus Cathedral

St Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline of Kirkwall, the main town of Orkney, a group of islands off the north coast of mainland Scotland.

Lady Kirk

The Lady Kirk at Pierowall is a ruined 17th-century church on the island of Westray, in Orkney, Scotland.

Saint Magnus Church - early church C12

A 12th-century Norse church on the island of Egilsay, distinguished by its rare surviving round tower. It marks the site where Saint Magnus was martyred in 1117.

Saint Mary's Chapel

Ruins of a 12th-century Romanesque chapel on the island of Wyre. It was commissioned by the Norse chieftain Kolbein Hruga, who also built the nearby Cubbie Roo’s Castle.

Saint Peter's [Reduntant Churches Trust)

A 19th-century Presbyterian church overlooking the Bay of Skaill. Preserved by the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust, the building retains its original box pews and simple interior.