Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
01856-874894;
www.stmagnus.org
; Broad St; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, 2-6pm Sun Apr-
Sep, 9am-1pm & 2-5pm Mon-Sat Oct-Mar)
Founded in 1137 and constructed from local
red sandstone, fabulous St Magnus Cathedral is Kirkwall's centrepiece. The powerful at-
mosphere of an ancient faith pervades the impressive interior. Lyrical and melodramatic
epitaphs of the dead line the walls and emphasise the serious business of 17th- and 18th-
century bereavement.
Earl Rognvald Brusason commissioned the cathedral in the name of his martyred uncle,
Magnus Erlendsson, who was killed by Earl Hakon Paulsson on Egilsay in 1117. Work
began in 1137, but the building is actually the result of 300 years of construction and al-
teration.
Earl's Palace & Bishop's Palace
(HS; 01856-871918;
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
;
Watergate; adult/child £4.50/2.70;
9.30am-5.30pm Apr-Sep, to 4.30pm Oct)
These two ruined palaces are worth poking
around. The more intriguing, the Earl's Palace, was once known as the finest example of
French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. One room features an interesting history of
its builder, Earl Patrick Stewart, who was executed in Edinburgh for treason. He started
construction in about 1600, but ran out of money and it was never completed.
built in the mid-12th century to provide comfortable lodgings for Bishop William the Old.
There's a good view of the cathedral from the tower, and a plaque showing the different
phases of the cathedral's construction.
RUINS
MUSEUM
Orkney Museum
(
01856-873191;
www.orkney.gov.uk
; Broad St; 10.30am-5pm Mon-Sat May-Sep,
10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-5pm Mon-Sat Oct-Apr)
Opposite St Magnus Cathedral, in a
former merchant's house, is this labyrinthine display. It has an overview of Orcadian his-
tory and prehistory, including Pictish carvings and a display on the Ba' (
Click here
)
.
Most engaging are the last rooms, covering 19th- and 20th-century social history.
DISTILLERY
Highland Park Distillery
