Located in a spectacular position overlooking Tower Glen and Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline Abbey boasts an unusual history. Site of a Benedictine monastery in the 11th century, the grounds once included extensive monastic buildings, the Royal Palace and the Abbey Church. The buildings and ruins which lie here are now a testament and a tribute to the days of the Scottish Kings and Scotland's turbulent past.
As we see it today, Dunfermline Abbey Church is a mixture of architectural styles and times. The building now encompasses the nave of the Norman church with a door leading on to the new Dunfermline Abbey Church built in the Perpendicular Style. The two structures are under separate management with the old nave under the care of Historic Scotland. This will little effect most visitors who are likely to see these two places of historic and religious interest together.
St Monans Church which probably lies closer to the sea than any other church in Scotland is situated close to St Monans Shrine. It is uncertain whether St Monan, an Irish missionary ever really lived and preached here. According to some, St Monan lived in a nearby cave but according to others it was only his relics which were brought here.
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