St Magnus Cathedral & Earl's Palace Walking Tour
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Puerto
Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Nivel de actividad
Moderate
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Tipo de excursión
All
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Accesible para personas en silla de ruedas
No
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A partir de
$64
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Edad mínima
Information Not Currently Available
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Duración
Approximately 3 Hours
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Comidas incluidas
Meals not included
Explore Kirkwall on a guided walk through town to St Magnus Cathedral and the ruins of the Earl's Palace and the Bishop's Palace.
Transfer by coach to Kirkwall's waterfront to discover the historic Old Town. This area, once known as the Ramparts, protected Kirkwall from seaborne attack. Bridge and Albert Streets — ancient roads dating back a thousand years, are now Kirkwall's main shopping streets.
Step inside St Magnus Cathedral — a jaw-dropping experience when you consider that this extraordinary church, built by the Norse in 1137, remains one of the best-preserved cathedrals in Scotland. Its various styles are Romanesque, Transitional and Gothic.
Mercat Cross, dating from 1621, is where people swore on the cross to seal verbal contracts. It was also the site of public announcements and, disturbingly, was also used as a pillory, dating from 1621, is where people swore on the cross to seal verbal contracts. It was also the site of public announcements and, disturbingly, was also used as a pillory.
See the ruins of the Earl's Palace (1600) built by Patrick Stewart, the Earl of Orkney. It is the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland, but its owner was immensely unpopular. The ruins of the 12th-century Bishop's Palace feature a hall and a tower house.
At the end of your tour you may wish to visit Tankerness House to see its museum exhibits on Orkney life, and enjoy the surrounding gardens, returning to the ship at your leisure by shuttle bus.
Notes:
Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Terrain includes mostly flat paved services, steps and cobblestones. Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf.