Kildalton Cross

Islay, United Kingdom

The Kildalton Cross is a monolithic high cross in Celtic cross form in the churchyard of the former parish church of Kildalton. It was carved probably in the second half of the 8th century AD, and is closely related to crosses of similar date on Iona. It is often considered the finest surviving Celtic cross in Scotland, and is certainly one of the most perfect monuments of its date to survive on western Europe. A simpler cross of late medieval date stands nearby.

The Kildalton Cross features an iconic image of the Virgin and Child, which is closely related to similar Virgin and Child iconography found on St. Martin's Cross and St. Oran's Cross at Iona.

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Islay, United Kingdom
See all sites in Islay

Details

Founded: 8th century AD
Category: Statues in United Kingdom

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Neil Westland (3 years ago)
The walk down to Port Mor is well worth it
Barbara Broadbent (3 years ago)
Love it. Also enjoyed the cakes we brought. Its a great way to look after the cross.
M “LoveToTravel” Poddar (3 years ago)
The place is locked up and unreachable due to unstable structure, but were able to see most of the cross from just outside the walls.
Susan MacLellan (3 years ago)
Wow this place is amazing. And I got quite emotional reading the inscriptions on the grave stones. Some really young deaths
Iain Sutherland (4 years ago)
Wonderful experience. Magical area, lovely inlets and sandy bays, not mention the three famous distillery's on route. Ardtalla is worth a detour.
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