St Oran's chapel

St Oran's Chapel is a Romanesque structure on Iona with a rectangular stone body and a Norman-style arched entrance. Inside are two small windows and a decorated recess that served as a burial place.

The chapel was founded around 1200 by Somerled, Lord of the Isles, making it the oldest surviving church building on the island. It underwent complete restoration work that was completed in 1957.

The chapel honors St Oran, one of St Columba's Irish companions, and reflects how early Christian saints were venerated on the island. This connection between Irish and Scottish Christianity remains visible in the local religious traditions.

The chapel sits within St Oran's Graveyard, southwest of Iona Abbey, and is easily reached on foot from the main abbey area. Walking around the surrounding grounds helps you understand the full history of this burial ground.

The graveyard surrounding the chapel served as the final resting place for Scottish, Norwegian, and Irish kings according to historical records. This royal connection makes it one of the most significant medieval burial grounds in northern Europe.

Location: Argyll and Bute

Inception: 12 century

Founders: Somerled

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Part of: St Mary's Abbey, Iona, monastic settlement

GPS coordinates: 56.33442,-6.39283

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06