The most beautiful churches cathedrals basilicas and chapels Scotland

Dating from the 13th century, this cathedral was seriously damaged in 1570 and was finally restored in 1835 at the instigation of the Countess of Sutherland. Nowadays, the most striking features are the numerous gargoyles and the square tower, which can be climbed during the summer. Legend has it that the gargoyles were evil spirits that were driven out of the cathedral by the ringing of the bells and turned into stones. The stained glass windows on the north side of the choir are also very interesting: they represent music, peace and literacy.

The foundation stone for Glasgow Cathedral was laid in 1136 in the presence of King David I and the building that stands proudly above the city today was completed in 1197. Since then it has been a prominent place of worship and its roof has never been destroyed, which is rare for such old walls. It is dedicated to Saint Mungo, also known as Saint Kentigern, the first bishop of the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde, who is buried in the crypt. In Scotland, it is the best preserved religious building of the 12th century, which has not been altered by the Reformation or by conflicts.

On the hill next door is the Victorian necropolis of the city. It was established on 15 hectares in 1832, where 50,000 people were buried and some 3,500 monuments now stand. Some are of great beauty, and the Celtic crosses and statues are worth a visit. It is a rather poignant and mysterious place, which commands a beautiful panorama of the surroundings. Several monuments are worth seeing: John Knox Monument, an imposing monument overlooking the cemetery erected to pay homage to the man of faith, and The Bridge of Sights, described as "the separation between time and eternity", as well as a more discreet and recent monument erected in honour of William Wallace, marked with the famous quote: "I am Scotland's Guardian. Though my body has been broken, my spirit will rise again to the sound of freedom.

Completed in 1224, this historic cathedral dedicated to the Holy Trinity did not suffer from the wars of independence, but was damaged by fire in 1270, 1390 and 1402. Its influence on the region was immense and its architecture among the most elaborate in the country. Now largely in ruins, its splendid west façade, the Stone Bishop statue in the nave, the Pictish cross and the largest tombstone in Scotland, five metres high and dedicated to the Anderson family, can still be appreciated today. Guided tours take place in July and August.

The remains of this noble cathedral bear witness to a much larger building, which was the epicentre of Catholic Scotland in the Middle Ages. Abandoned after the Reformation, it fell into disrepair and ruin, so that many of its stones were reused for other buildings. It was not until 1826 that some attention was paid to its preservation and attempts were made to perpetuate it. The St Rule's Tower at its heart is older than it is and was part of the early 12th century church that preceded it.

St. Giles' Cathedral has become an icon of the Edinburgh skyline because of its crown-shaped bell tower. The first stones still visible were laid in the 12th century, but most of the building dates from the 15th century. It is the most important place of worship of the Church of Scotland in its capital. It is dedicated to Saint Giles, a Greek hermit who lived mainly in France between the 7th and 8th centuries. Protector of lepers and the lame, he was particularly popular in the Middle Ages, so much so that he became the patron saint of Edinburgh. Inside, don't miss the central pillars, the oldest witnesses of the place, nor the stained glass windows which are impressive. Also worth seeing are the stained glass window dedicated to the poet Robert Burns, the statue of John Knox and the quotation that sums up the character's commitment: "Give me Scotland or I die", the authors' "corner" and the organ. The Thistle Chapel, built in 1911, has a richly decorated ceiling and carved woodwork of great aesthetic quality. For example, an angel can be seen playing the bagpipes. It is also possible to gain height with paying guided tours on the roof (beware, they are quickly sold out!). Volunteer guides are also present to tell you all about the secrets and beauties of the building. Masses are always celebrated in the building (on Sundays at 8, 10, 11.30 and 8 pm) and concerts are regularly organised.

Rosslyn Chapel is a must-see for lovers of art history, esotericism, symbolism, religious enthusiasts and fans of The Da Vinci Code. It will surprise you by the multiplicity of its stories: that of the green man in particular. We learn that the face of the green man is none other than that of Adam, reminding us that we have within us the seeds of good and evil, and that we have the freedom to cultivate them. You will soon understand why the chapel is described as "a poem of stones, erected by the stars" (Thomas Ross) and why Queen Victoria declared it a jewel to be preserved. You will also discover that the place did not only inspire Dan Brown, but that before him, the great Scottish poets had praised it: Sir Walter Scott in The Lay of the Last Ministrel, but also Robert Burns. You will meet the chapel's cat who also has his own story... which will please the children! In fact, they too have their own tour of the chapel with a quiz and dedicated interactive terminals.

The chapel always offers religious services: on Sundays at 10:30 am and, between April and October, masses at 5:15 pm, as well as short prayers at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Warning: Be prepared for crowds, as this is a highly touristy and crowded place. However, the organization and the site are up to the number of visitors: multilingual and interactive visitor center, guided tours, café and store, large free parking.

Dunfermline Abbey is the final resting place of King Robert the Bruce and the burial place of 11 kings and queens of Scotland. Founded as a priory, Dunfermline was transformed into an abbey by David I and later became a royal mausoleum. Its nave is particularly impressive and its Romanesque architecture of great beauty. You can take a walk in the monks' refectory and admire the breathtaking view of the valley from the palace's windows.

Its three towers dominate the West End skyline and are visible from many places in Edinburgh, including Princes Street. The different phases of its construction spanned from 1874 to 1917 and the cathedral now has some beautiful neo-Gothic features. It is famous for its Paolozzi stained glass windows, Robert Lorimer's crucifix and massive organs. Its choir is one of the most active and recognized in the country.

St Magnus is the northernmost cathedral in Britain. Its construction began in 1137 and lasted 300 years. Its Romanesque architecture is one of the most interesting in Scotland. St Magnus, to whom it is dedicated, had a reputation for great kindness. During a raid from Norway against Anglesey, Wales, he refused to take part in the fighting and remained on the ship reciting psalms. King Eystein II granted him part of Orkney, which was then under the authority of his cousin, Hakon, and they ruled together from 1105 to 1114.

On the tiny island of Lamb Holm, between St Margaret's Hope and Kirkwall, lies this small chapel with a fascinating history. It was built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. They began to build a real place of worship with everything they had at hand: military barracks, tin, concrete and wood. In spite of these makeshift raw materials, they managed to recreate a small architectural gem with a bell tower, columns, wall paintings and even an altar.

The Beauly Priory is currently a ruin, but these remains, on the riverside, are a very pleasant visit for those who love religious heritage and mystical places, full of history and haloed with a certain magic. This priory is one of the three priories founded in Scotland around 1230 by the Valliscaulian order. This little-known order of monks originated in Dijon. He advocated poverty, chastity and obedience. Today, the walls of the abbey church remain, housing beautiful funerary monuments.

The building is relatively new, having been designed in 1846 and completed only in 1910. Initially a simple church, it became the cathedral of the diocese of Argyll in 1920. This cathedral does not impose from the outside. Nor is it absolutely grandiose on the inside. However, it deserves to be mentioned because it mixes, in an original and moving way, the spiritual dimension and industrial architecture. A Gothic church with industrial elements, riveted beams instead of stone columns, is not often seen.

To the north of Perth is the small town of Dunkeld with its cathedral, which is of great historical interest and was very influential before the Reformation. Built between 1250 and 1501, the cathedral is rich in different styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic. It is said that the relics of Saint Columba were kept here before being sent to Ireland. In 1689, the Battle of Dunkeld pitted the Jacobites against the Orangemen in the surrounding area, which was resolved by a victory for the latter. Today, the building is still used for services.

Built in the early 16th century, this noble medieval church is the work of Alasdair Crotach MacLeod of Harris & Dunvegan, eighth chief of the MacLeod clan. It is one of the most ambitious buildings in the Outer Hebrides, and its form is attributable to the people's former ties with Ireland. He was buried here when he died in 1547 and his tomb is of great beauty. Some of his descendants lie there with him and the stelae and sculptures are impressive. History lovers will be conquered.

This cathedral covers several periods, from the 11th to the 15th century. This gives it an interesting mix of styles, with some pre-Romanesque parts, such as the base of its tower, contrasting with the rest of the building, which is mostly Gothic. Andy Murray was married here, and there is also a memorial stele in memory of the victims of the massacre of March 13, 1996. You can see the grave of Mary Drummond, a mistress of James VI, and her two sisters, who were all allegedly poisoned... Guided tours are offered on Sundays in summer (2pm and 4pm).

Don't think it's the church of the Holy Evil! Here, rough comes from the Scottish rood, which means cross, as in Holyrood Abbey. Founded in the 12th century, the building that stands here today dates from the 15th century, making it the oldest in the city after the castle. James VI was crowned by John Knox in 1587 and its characteristics are magnificent. The organ, first of all, but also the medieval wooden roof, the stunning stained glass windows and the imposing pillars. A little piece of history worth a look.

This church, which had begun renovation work in 1991, is special in many respects. The famous King David, who saw a white stag crowned with a cross, is represented here everywhere, which gives the perfect opportunity to (re)discover the story. It also houses a Second World War memorial chapel where a glass box with Dunkirk sand is displayed in commemoration of the D-Day landings. Finally, it is recognized as the capital's military church and is the one adopted by the Royal Scots (Royal Regiment) in 1983.

This small church, built on top of the loch, is as discreet as it is visited. Seen from the road, it seems rather banal, but by entering and admiring it from the loch, one realizes that it is a real jewel of religious architecture and a jewel of heritage. Sculptures and details are legion for the play of symbols and omnipresent lights. One of them is a magnificent lying down, which is none other than Robert the Bruce. Indeed, the church holds a relic - a bone fragment - of this great historical figure.