What is Iona famous for?
What is Iona famous for? Iona is a holy isle and has been described as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. St Columba and 12 companions came here from Ireland in AD 563. The monastery they founded was one of the most important and influential in the British Isles.
What does Iona mean in English?
Iona is a feminine Greek name meaning “dove,” “omen,” or “yew-place.” It is derived from the Hebrew word yoná meaning “dove,” which itself comes from the Greek word oionós, translating to “sign” or “omen.” In Ancient Greece, people believed birds were messengers of God who provided prophecies for events to come.