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.

References:

Wikipedia

Statues in United Kingdom

Address

Islay, United Kingdom

See all sites in Islay

Details

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

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Ardbeg Distillery (6,2 km)
Dunyvaig Castle Ruins (7,4 km)

Bowmore Distillery (17,3 km)
Bruichladdich Distillery (21,8 km)
Jura Distillery (17,6 km)
Kinbane Castle (52,9 km)
Bunnahabhain Distillery (22,7 km)
Dunseverick Castle Ruins (55,7 km)
Bonamargy Friary (54,8 km)
Kilarrow Church (17 km)
Kilberry Sculptured Stones (28,5 km)

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.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.