St Magnus Cathedral named among top 100 cathedrals in Europe

St Magnus Cathedral – our medieval marvel – has been named as one of Europe’s top 100 Cathedrals by a best-selling author and respected church historian.

The Cathedral’s magnificence has been recognised and once again celebrated in print - Europe’s Best 100 Cathedrals by Simon Jenkins.

Those featured range from Kirkwall to Valetta and Moscow to Leon and St Magnus Cathedral is one of 15 British cathedrals to be selected for this, the first-ever study of European cathedrals, and is named alongside the likes of Canterbury, St Paul’s London Westminster Abbey and York Minster.

The book, which is published by Viking on 4 November, tells the stories behind these magnificent buildings.

In choosing the top 100, Simon Jenkins pays tribute to the buildings that he sees as manifestations of Europe’s collective past.

He said: “They represent its most embedded institution, Christianity, in all its finery… Even today no other buildings on earth can compare with these structures. They are history and geography, art and science, mind and body in one…”

In selecting the cathedrals he believes everyone should see before they die, the author has created the ultimate European cathedral bucket list.

Those who spend their day to day lives working within the walls of the Cathedral know only too well how special the building and its history are.

Fraser Macnaughton, the Cathedral minister said “Many Orcadians on the streets, in bars and at events talk of ‘our’ cathedral, regardless of their faith background. I wonder what those who had the vision to build the cathedral, and those who lavished the best of their abilities and talents on the building, to give glory to God, to draw the eyes towards heaven along the vaulted ceiling, to teach the faith to those who could not read designed Biblical stained glass, I wonder what these men and women would say, when seeing that the fruit of their labour has spoken deeply to many who would not immediately describe themselves as Christian?

“This is part of what cathedrals are for. It’s communicating the beauty of the Gospel, awe at its influence, an essential aspect of community. And when we recognise our common humanity, and lift our eyes above utilitarianism, then, hopefully, we recognise that there are many, many other situations we need to attend to. I am so delighted that ‘our’ cathedral has been included in this new book by Simon Jenkins.”

Cathedral Custodian and Visitor Services Officer, Fran Hollinrake shares how special the building is with visitors on a daily basis. She said: “When I got the email from Penguin Books notifying us that St Magnus Cathedral was going to feature in the book, my first reaction was delight! Simon Jenkins is something of a legend in the world of church history, and I have quite a few of his works already. So, for him to choose our cathedral as amongst the best in Europe – well, that’s really something.

“But on reflection, it’s no surprise either. St Magnus Cathedral is extraordinary in so many ways. It’s the only surviving wholly medieval cathedral in Scotland – all the others were either ruined, rebuilt, or extended in later years. We are the only church in Scotland which still contains the relics of its original saint, and as if that weren’t enough we have two saints!

“Although it took nearly three hundred years before it was complete, it has stood the test of time very well. What a vision Earl Rognvald must have had – he wanted to build the most important and the most impressive building in the whole of Orkney – and nearly 900 years later it still is.

“I’ve been looking after the cathedral for eleven years now, and not a week goes by without some new fact or story to discover. I’ll never stop learning about it or wanting to share it with others.

“Nearly nine centuries of Orkney people have experienced the deepest of emotions within these walls – joy, grief, hope – and I believe that all those feelings have soaked into the walls and become part of the very fabric of the building. No wonder it has such a powerful atmosphere.”

Elaine Grieve, Chair of the Society of the Friends of St Magnus Cathedral, added: “There are many supporters of the Cathedral worldwide who, as members of the Society of the Friends of St Magnus Cathedral, have contributed to the maintenance of this wonderful building who will be delighted to read that it features in Simon Jenkins’ book, Europe’s 100 Best Cathedrals.

“But they won’t be surprised. For more than 60 years the Society has existed primarily to raise funds to ensure the preservation of St Magnus Cathedral as an inspiring place to visit and worship. By contributing to the maintenance of the building, the future of the Cathedral as a place to be enjoyed by future generations has been secured and, through works like such as these, its magnificence has been recognised and once again celebrated in print.”

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said: “The Cathedral holds a special place in the heart for so many and remains a majestic focal point for those arriving into Kirkwall, standing proudly overlooking the harbour. Having this accolade in black and white can only help St Magnus Cathedral retain its rightful place on the world stage – and open up the story for others who may be unaware.”

The Cathedral is managed by Orkney Islands Council on behalf of the people of Orkney.