Iona is a holy island to the north of Islay, where Saint Columbus first landed in Scotland in 563, and where he and twelve followers founded a monastery. He and his followers eventually converted most of Scotland and northern England to Christianity, and he is regarded as one of the founders of modern Europe.

Culturally, Iona is of vast importance to the Celtic Church, being where many relics are kept and where many saints are buried. Its community has produced some of the finest works of art in the whole of Europe, possibly including the Book of Kells.

It is home to hundreds of carved stone crosses which represent the finest Celtic architecture, and is also where forty-eight rulers of the many kingdoms of Caledonia (which included Argyll, Galloway, Mar, Moray, Scotland, etc.), eight Norse, and four Irish kings are buried, as well as five saints.

It was formerly a convent for Benedictine nuns, with Somerled's daughter Beathag the first prioress.