St Monans Church, St Monans, United Kingdom

St Monans Church dates from 1369 and is situated in an isolated position to the west of the village on the very edge of the sea. It is perched on a low rock, over a small valley with a burn. The original graveyard surrounds the church and a more modern cemetery stands further westwards on the upper slopes of the little hill. This contains the local war memorial.

It is often said that St Monans is the church nearest the sea in the whole of Scotland, and this may well be the case, being only around 20 m from the edge. The church, one of the finest remaining from the Middle Ages in Scotland, was built by King David II Bruce (1329–71), initially for a small house of Dominican friars. It later became the Church of Scotland parish church. Though the church may never have been finished (it has a choir and transepts, with a short spire over the crossing, but lacks a nave), it has many features of architectural interest, notably the fine stone vaulting in the choir and the plain but handsome sedilia. White-washed throughout internally, the church is particularly light and attractive among ancient Scottish churches.

The church was greatly restored in 1899 by the Glasgow architect, Peter MacGregor Chalmers. The church hall was added in 1913 to a design by Sir Robert Lorimer. Major restoration to the windows and masonry was completed in March 2007. The church is open to visitors daily from April to October.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Deep Dey (5 months ago)
Its peaceful, sunsets are amazing, you can see the bass rock from here. there are walks which can be done - parking and streets can be a bit tight on church days i suppose. But we visit here regularly and the church and scenery always blows are mind away.

Peter Malcolm (7 months ago)
Lovely place for tranquility and peace

Scotty D (13 months ago)
Beautiful little church in a very picturesque spot. Local dog over the stone bridge will demand attention too, very friendly and speaks to you!

Guy Nutting (14 months ago)
An interesting church,very close to the sea. I'd have liked to look inside, but it was locked.

LakesClaire (LakesClaire) (2 years ago)
Didn't go inside. I was walking the Fife Coastal Path which didn't disappoint. Each fishing village has its own unique history & are well served by buses to return to your car! Essential for someone walking on their own. I will be returning.

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