Stella Power Design

MacLean's Cross stands on the west side of the road between the Benedictine Abbey and Augustinian Nunnery on the Isle of Iona, Scotland. It dates from the 15th century and is a product of the Ionian school of sculpture. The east face is decorated with plaitwork, plant scrolls, animals and a mounted warrior. The main feature of the west face is a carving of the crucified Christ. It was probably commissioned by a member of the MacLean clan to show passing pilgrims on their way to Iona Abbey that they were almost at their journey's end.

The abbey was founded by St. Columba after he landed here from Ireland in AD563. Despite attacks by the Vikings in 795, 802, 806 and 825, during which many monks were killed, Christianity clung on here. Iona also remained the burial place of successive Scottish Kings until Macbeth, who died in 1057.

One of the oldest and most important religious centres in western Europe, Iona abbey is considered the point of origin for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland.

A4 Glossy Print