Tips
Dominiek Van Dooren
June 29, 2026
Hiking
Medieval pilgrims stopped here to pray on their way to the abbey. On this side of the cross, they could contemplate the eternal, intertwined patterns that sprang from the tails of two animals. On the other side is the poignant image of the crucifixion. The cross, erected around 1500, was paid for by the powerful MacLean family as a public display of their support for the abbey.
(Information board on site)
(Information board on site)
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christian427
October 26, 2022
Hiking
MacLean’s Cross, a tall free standing cross, was probably erected in the 1400’s. The cross is a rarity, as only a few of Iona’s stone cross survived the Reformation and apparently 357 of them did not, which is a great shame. The crosses were pray stations for pilgrims coming to the Island.
The solid wheel head depicts the crucifixion and the broad faces are carved with an interlaced pattern, continuing the celtic tradition.
blosslynspage.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/macleans-celtic-cross-isle-of-iona-scotland
The solid wheel head depicts the crucifixion and the broad faces are carved with an interlaced pattern, continuing the celtic tradition.
blosslynspage.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/macleans-celtic-cross-isle-of-iona-scotland
Michèle Linton
January 12, 2024
Road cycling
MacLean’s Cross is a free-standing stone construction dating to the late 1400s.
Carved from a single slab more than 3m high, the disc-headed cross is carved on both sides.
Carved from a single slab more than 3m high, the disc-headed cross is carved on both sides.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near MacLean’s Cross
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Elevation 10 m
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