This illustration was taken from 'A Tour in Scotland' by Thomas Pennant.
Situated at the western tip of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, Iona was an important centre for Celtic Christianity and pilgrimages. Iona Cathedral was founded in the 6th century, by the Celtic Christian missionary St Columba. It became a monastery during the middle ages after the Celtic Church was absorbed into the Catholic Church. The sacred isle was used as the burial ground for some of the Kings of Scotland, Ireland and Norway.
Click to enlarge the image, read the text then answer the following questions.
Questions
- What building dominates the island landscape?
- What do you notice about the state of the buildings?
- Why does the Celtic Church no longer exist?