The abbey is on the island of Iona, off the coast of the Isle of Mull, western Scotland.The map below shows its location.  It was founded by St Columba and his 12 companions in 563; it is one of the most sacred places in Britain. Originally wattle and daub, a more substantial structure was started in 1203, and was expanded in the 15^th century, but was abandoned after the reformation. The ruined abbey was restored in the 1930s, and once more became a monastic community. The museum is full of wonderful relics.
  The oldest remaining building is St Columba’s shrine, the small stone structure at the side of the abbey church dating from the 10^th century. The last two pictures show this.