St. Columba’s Cave – Ellary, Scotland - Atlas Obscura
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St. Columba’s Cave

Ellary, Scotland

This remote Scottish cave has been a site of Christian pilgrimage for many centuries.  

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St Columba’s Cave Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
St Columba’s Cave Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
St Columba’s Cave Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
St Columba’s Cave Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
St Columba’s Cave Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
St Columba’s Cave Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
St Columba’s Cave Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
St Columba’s Cave Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
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Located on the shore of Loch Caolisport, Scotland, St. Columba’s Cave is a historically significant site believed to have been used by a 6th-century Irish missionary. The cave, nestled in the remote landscape near the water’s edge, is an important landmark in early Scottish Christianity.

As the name suggests, St. Columba’s Cave is associated with St. Columba, who is thought to have used the cave as a place of retreat and worship during his missionary work in Scotland around 563. The cave contains early Christian carvings, including a cross, which suggest its use as a place of Christian worship for many centuries. The carvings are one of the earliest known Christian carvings in Scotland.

The cave consists of a main chamber and a smaller adjoining chamber. The main chamber features a carved cross on the back wall and other incised markings and possible cup marks on the walls and ceiling. In addition to the carvings, a stone altar and a water basin, likely used for baptismal purposes, have been identified within the cave.

Know Before You Go

There is an area for parking at the shore. The cave is accessed by a short walk up the hill and is signposted. 

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