Fife holiday 2026 #13
The unexpected gem of my perambulation of St Andrews was the beautiful college chapel of St Salvator, dating back to 1450 but much changed since then (largely due to the Protestant Reformation when it was stripped of most of its iconography). What we see now owes much to the Gothic Revivalist style popular in Victorian times, and some sympathetic modern additions, but the chapel retains a dignity and serenity that I found most appealing.
Behind it is a quadrangle of university buildings. I gather that the Prince and Princess of Wales resided in St Salvator's Hall during their first year at St Andrew's University (which is famously where they met) but the buildings behind the chapel are not the student halls of residence, which lie beyond.
As I was nearing the Chapel, a large tour bus stopped outside to deposit its passengers. I upped my pace in order to get inside before they did! So I at least had a few peaceful moments to myself, and took all the interior shots with my phone in order to speed up the process. I am quite pleased with how they turned out.
As I left the Chapel, I noted a man in a full Scottish kilt outfit entering. I then realised that there was about to be a wedding. Guests were gathering outside the main entrance on the street side of the Chapel and there was a bagpiper who began to play, so I was delighted to see that. It was an unexpected bonus, since if I'd arrived a few minutes later I would not have been able to go inside. Serendipity.
That was perfect timing on your side! I wish the new husband and wife all the best - their wedding must have felt very special in those surroundings.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful place.Glad that you got inside.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got those interior pictures! What a treat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful chapel the photos are great. Love the piper.
ReplyDeleteWhat luck that you were able to go inside before the wedding. Lovely photos from the church, and then a bagpiper as a bonus outside! :)
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