St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland

It is likely that a religious community has been located on this site since the 8th Century. In 12th Century Augustian Cannons, extended St Rule's Church, all that remains today is a part of the chancel and the tower. The Tower, which is 100ft high, is open to visitors, but the steep climb is worth the effort, giving amazing views of St Andrews.

In 1160 work began on what was to become Scotlands largest Cathedral, it took almost 150 years and was eventually consecrated in the presence Robert the Bruce in 1318. The Cathedral suffered bad luck in its construction and afterwards, during a gale in 1270 the west end was blown down. It suffered under the hands of the English during the Wars of Independence and was badly damaged by fire in 1378. In 1409 the south trancept was blown down during a gale, finally during the Reformation of the Church in 1559 much af the cathedral was destroyed.

The Cathedral is open all year round.
Summer: 25 March - 30 September: Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - last entry 6.00pm (closes at 6.30pm).
Winter: 1 October - end March: Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - last entry 4.00pm (closes at 4.30pm)

Closed 25th, 26th December and 1st, 2nd January.

Admission to the Castle and Cathedral

Joint ticket with the Castle: Adult £5.00 Child £2.00 Concessions £3.75

(Photographs ©2003-2008 Ryewolf)