Dunfermline Palace & Abbey
The remains of a great Benedictine abbey founded by Queen Margaret in the 11th century. The foundations of her church are under the present superb nave, built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. Robert the Bruce was buried in the choir, now the site of the present parish church (closed during the winter).
Substantial parts of the Abbey buildings remain, including the vast refectory. Next to the Abbey is the ruin of the Royal Palace built from the guesthouse of the monastery and altered in the 16th century for James VI and his Queen. This was the birthplace of Charles I, the last monarch born in Scotland.
The refectory floor, kitchen area and lower floor of the palace together with the upper floor and stone display in the gatehouse are not suitable for visitors using wheelchairs and three steps lead to the shop. All paths in the grounds are accessible. They have a gravel surface and there are flagstones within the abbey.
Access to the nave is unrestricted. Palace entry is from Pittencrief Park with limited access for visitors using wheelchairs. There are stone carvings in the nave and abbey grounds, along with flowers and plants.
Sunday Services: 9.30am and 11.00am
Contact
The
Steward
St Margaret Street
Dunfermline
Fife
KY12 7PE
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1383) 739026
Fax: +44 (1383) 739026
E-Mail: hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
WWW: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
