Churches in St Andrews

UK Churches: St Andrews Churches

Churches in St Andrews, Scotland

As well as its ancient, ruined cathedral, St Andrews has a number of interesting churches. The once, large cathedral attracted monks from all over Scotland and beyond. As a result, the town became an important religious center associated with the legend of Scotland's patron saint. The University of St Andrews is also connected with various churches.

See a listing of churches in and around St Andrews.

St Andrews Cathedral

St Andrews Cathedral like nearby St Andrews Castle is a magnificent medieval ruin. Once the largest cathedral in Scotland and headquarters of the Scottish Church, it remains one of the most important historical sites in Scotland. Its ruins are now a testament to the destruction of the turbulent years of the Scottish Reformation in the 1550s and 1560s. In its prime, the cathedral was the seat of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and the Bishops and later Archbishops of St Andrews. It was also the largest church in Scotland.

The history of the cathedral dates back to the foundation and the building of St Rule's Church sometime around 1130, though historians are unsure of the exact date.

The site housed relics of St Andrew - the patron saint of Scotland - brought to Scotland from Greece in the 4th century by Saint Rule (Regulus).

The church and priory were constructed for the newly-arrived Augustinians from the continent who took over the administration of the site from the Culdees based in The Church of St Mary on the Rocks.

The major remains are the east gable of the presbytery, which housed St Andrew's relics, the south wall of the nave, Pends Gate (the main entrance gate) and the west front.

The museum contains the cathedral's treasures including The St Andrews Sarcophagus and a number of medieval sculptures. The museum's buildings occupy what was once the cathedral's priory. There are two sections and a museum shop.

One section is in the undercroft of the the original priory, beneath what what was once the monks' refectory. The other is in what was in days gone by the canon's warming house.

Stonework from the Pictish 7th century to the post-Reformation period forms the main bulk of the collection. Some highlights are several post-Reformation gravestones where the symbol of the cross is replaced by motifs representing mortality such as hourglasses and the skull and crossbones; an effigy of Bishop Henry Wardlaw, the founder of St Andrews University; and a collection of wax seals.

The St Andrews Sarcophagus takes pride of place, however, and is a fine example of early medieval sculpture. Historians believe the sarcophagus holds the remains of an 8th century Pictish ruler.

St Salvator's Chapel

The historic St Salvator's Chapel at the university is one of two collegiate chapels belonging to the University of St Andrews. The other is nearby St Leonard's Chapel. St Salvator's Chapel dates from 1450.

Constructed in the Late Gothic style of architecture, the church has been refurbished many times over the centuries.

The church serves as the main university chapel. On Sundays, after church service at around noon, students walk to the pier and back in an academic procession wearing their red gowns.

The Pier Walk is an historic tradition of the university and the first event of a new academic year.

The clock tower of Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews, Scotland. — The clock tower of Holy Trinity Church

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church on South Street is where John Knox first preached in public in 1547. Later his inflammatory sermon on 4 June 1559 here led to the destruction of St Andrews Cathedral. It is often referred to as the cradle of the Scottish Reformation.

The most historic church in the town, it dates originally from 1144 when it was located close to the cathedral. It moved to its present site in the early 15th century. It was remodeled between 1798 and 1800 and then again between 1907 and 1909 in an attempt to return the kirk to a more "medieval" appearance. It is a Category A listed building.

Hope Park & Martyrs Church

This fine church now known as St Mark's Church belongs to the Church of Scotland and dates from 1865. Known for its beautiful stained glass, it is close to St Andrews Museum.

St James Catholic Church

St James Catholic Church serves the Catholic congregation in St Andrews and the East Neuk of Fife. The building dates from 1910. It faces the sea and is close to the Wardlaw Museum.

St Andrew's Episcopal Church. — © St Andrew's Episcopal Church

Other Churches

The town has churches from several different denominations. Among them are St Andrews Baptist Church on South Street, All Saints' Church and St Andrew's Episcopal Church opposite St Regulus Hall. Blackfriars Chapel on South Street is a ruin of what was once a much larger friary. It was built in the 1520s.

Cornwall Churches

Iona Guide

King's College Chapel Cambridge

London Cathedrals

Oxford Churches

St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall Orkney Islands

St Mary and St Finnan Church Glenfinnan

Stay

If you wish to stay in St Andrews try the Fairmont St Andrews, with five stars and views of the St Andrews Bay. The hotel also boasts a spa and a pool.

Also recommended are the budget Ardgowan Hotel located in a Georgian terrace and Rusacks St Andrews, overlooking the Old Course.

Old Course Hotel St Andrews overlooks West Sands Beach and the Links Golf Course. Enjoy its Kohler Waters Spa, which offers luxury spa treatments, a hydrotherapy pool, experience showers and cold plunge pool.

Hotel Du Vin St Andrews on The Scores offers a French-style bistro and bar.

Kinnettles Hotel & Spa offers an à la carte restaurant amid five-star luxury.

See a listing of hotels in St Andrews.