Kilarrow Church, Bowmore, United Kingdom

Kilarow Parish Church is a rare round church commenced in 1767. Daniel Campbell the Younger brought Thomas Spalding to Islay for the specific purpose of building the church which was completed in 1769 and is therefore, in Islay, the oldest church building in which public worship takes place on a weekly basis. The Round Church is 18.2 metres in diameter and the walls are 0.85 metres thick. The main central pillar is 0.48 metres diameter at the base and is of timber, harled and plastered. The gallery of the church, which is 'U' shaped in plan, was added c.1830 and in some ways defeats the concept behind the original circular design whereby 'there were no corners in the church in which the Devil could hide.' The Round Church is open daily and well worth a visit.

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Islay Info

User Reviews

Donald Mackenzie (2 years ago)
Great service and very efficient staff,and always willing to offer help.

Robin Mccunn (3 years ago)
Thoroughly enjoyed the church service and the friendly and warm fellowship that we experienced. We worship here every time we visit Islay. Well worth the visit!

Gordon Paterson (4 years ago)
Very interesting building and unusual. Worth a visit.

Christopher Sewell (4 years ago)
Several years ago I spent a wonderful holiday on Islay (pronounced "I - luh" by its residents). And the Round Church is fascinating. I asked someone why it was built round and was told "Because the devil lurks in corners!"

Ruary Laidlaw (4 years ago)
A unique and well looked after church. The inside showed the structure off really well.

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The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.

The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.

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Kilarrow Church

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