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The ground floor of St Magnus Cathedral is free to enter. It holds the building's oldest monuments and spiritual artifacts.
Founded in 1137 by Viking Earl Rognvald, the cathedral took 300 years to finish. Builders used alternating red and yellow sandstone from local quarries.
Today, the main floor contains several historic points of interest. Because the medieval stone floors are uneven in places, wear flat shoes. Photography is allowed, except during church services.
10 minutes
The choir is the spiritual center of the cathedral. Here, the bones of St Magnus are interred inside a large stone pillar. Look closely at the pillar to spot the marker indicating exactly where the relics were discovered.
5 minutes
This area pays tribute to the 834 men and boys who died in 1939. Their battleship, the HMS Royal Oak, was torpedoed in Scapa Flow. The ship's bell hangs here as a quiet place for reflection.
10 minutes
Intricately carved gravestones line the walls. These heavy markers once covered the original cathedral floor. You will see traditional 'memento mori' symbols carved into the stone, including skulls, crossbones, and hourglasses.
