Lantern of the north
Elgin Cathedral is the third largest cathedral in Scotland. Despite being in ruins, it is a picturesque sight with the western towers largely complete and a substantial part of the eastern gable still intact.
Building of this impressive building started in 1224. It was the principal church of the bishops of Moray. It was unfortunately targeted by the Wolf of Badenoch who set fire to it, and it fell into disrepair. It became a tourist attraction in the 1800s. The two towers at the eastern end are remarkably complete and you can climb the stairway onto the roof.
The best-preserved part is the octagonal chapter house, adorned with stone carvings of faces and animals.
Look out also for the tallest gravestone in Scotland at 5m.
Further information
W: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/elgin-cathedral/Note: All images and text on this site are protected by copyright and should not be copied or reproduced without written consent.
Facilities
Travel itinerary planner
Elgin Cathedral is in the following sections: Rather than give you a fixed itinerary, here you’ll find details of nearby attractions and links (tags) to help you find activities similar to those at this location. Don’t rush, slow down, go at your own pace and enjoy your experiences fully. You can use this information to help you plan your stay without missing a thing.- Distance from Forres: 12.6 miles
- Postcode: IV30 1HU
- What3words: asleep.fancy.below
- What’s nearby: Alpaca Days Out, Elgin, Lossiemouth, Pluscarden Abbey, Torrieston Walks
- Tags: architecture, history, photography (all areas)
