The abbey of Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes was built in the 11th and 12th centuries to the site of 4th century oratory. The abbey was fortified in the 14th century and is an impressive size, measuring 72 metres long and 15 metres tall. It contains beautiful Poitevin Romanesque art. Visitors can also admire the arches of its doors with their sculpted motifs, the scene of the Last Judgment adorning the pediment, the square bell tower with round bays, and in the majestic chancel, the oak stalls and eagle-shaped lectern from the 17th century.
Inverness Castle sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. The red sandstone structure evident today was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. It is built on the site of an 11th-century (c. 1057) defensive structure. Today, it houses Inverness Sheriff Court.
The castle is said to have been built by Máel Coluim III of Scotland, after he had razed to the ground the castle in which Macbeth of Scotland according to much later tradition, murdered Máel Coluim"s father Donnchad I of Scotland, and which stood on a hill around 1 km to the north-east.
The first Inverness Castle was partially destroyed by King Robert I of Scotland and a replacement castle was sacked in the 15th century by the Clan Donald during the Siege of Inverness (1429). The castle was occupied during the Raid on Ross in 1491.
In 1548 another castle with tower was completed by George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly (1514–1562). He was constable of the castle until 1562.