Recovery in the thirteenth century: The Benedictine Abbey

The Abbey

Monastic life died down on Iona after these tumultuous events, and was not revived until 1200 when the Benedictines rebuilt the abbey. The founder was Reginald son of Somerled, the same man who founded the nunnery. During this time, many noble families patronized the abbey and were buried in the Relig Odhrain. The most important of these nobles were the MacDonald Lords of the Isles, who were descendants of Reginald; the fourth and last MacDonald Lord of the Isles may be the person whose tomb recess tomb recess is in St. Oran's Chapel.

The oldest building on the grounds dating from this period is the Chapel Oran. According to tradition, Oran (Adhrain) was Columba's cousin and was sacrificed and buried by Columba to sanctify the island. There is very little evidence to corroborate this tradition.

Parts of the abbey, including the choir, tower, and nave, were rebuilt again in 1450 by Abbot Dominic.

The Nave was extensively rebuilt in 1910, following the design of P. MacGregor Chalmers. The transepts are the only remaining parts of the original Benedictine abbey.

Many columns, however, were recarved with beautiful designs.

Jacques Lipchitz Sculpture

The Bishop's House

The Michael Chapel

The High Crosses at the Abbey

Iona was also home, for a period, to a community of Augustinian canonesses. In 1200, the same Reginald son of Somerled, who had founded the abbey, also founded a house for women on the island.

Continue to the next page to read the history of the Augustinian nunnery.

Return to the Index of Iona: A Virtual Tour

Return to the Index of Celtic Monasticism: History and Spirituality

copyright © Dr. Deborah Vess 1999. All rights reserved. Photographs by Dr. Deborah Vess. Visitors to this site are welcome to use the photos and other information for educational purposes provided that user acknowledges the source.