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The City of Kells is perhaps most
famous for something that used to be in the city,
the Book of Kells. Today
the city's primary attraction is its round tower,
an 11th century church, and several High Crosses.
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Crosses - High crosses are often
called Celtic Crosses and usually date
from the 700 -1100AD. The central element of a high
cross is the intersection of a circle
with the standard cross. The very early
stone High Crosses are decorated with
Celtic motifs, later crosses (mid -800AD and
after) incorporate biblical references.
You can see many modern representations
of the High Cross through out Ireland
today; Celtic Cross Jewelry is popular
too. While
usually a part of Monastic settlements, many if not all
pre 13th century High Crosses have been
moved from their original locations.
Looking at a model of the early
settlement of Kells (located in the
Kells' Visitor Center) it appears the
orginal placement of the Kells' High
Crosses were along the entry routes to
the village.
Photo
Right - This High Cross, used to be
located in the Market square, now it sits
out side the Kells' Visitor Center. The
cross just returned to public viewing, as
it had to undergo restoration after being
hit by a car.
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| Detail Photos |
| The High
Tower |
Outside Links:
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Detail
of base carving on the Kells' High Cross. |
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Photo Left - this High
Cross is located near the round tower. Entering
Kells we thought we would either see the
round tower or signs directing us to the
high crosses. Passing through the
village, I realized we were now heading
away from the city center and I surmised,
we must be moving away from the High
Crosses; so I made a quick turn in to a
small parking area. Luck was with us this
day, I had just pulled in to the Kells'
Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center
contains a museum on its second floor
celebrating the art legacy Kell
bequeathed to Ireland. Most of the
artifacts on display are detailed
replicates of ones on display in the
National Museum, including the most
authentic replicate of the "Book of
Kells'.
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The
Visitor Center gave us directions to the Church
where the high crosses and round tower are
located (On our arrival we had missed it by a few
blocks). As suggested, we drove through the
Church gates and found a few parking spaces
avialable on the grounds. If no space had been
available we were told to park in the city and
aquire a "token" from one of the shops.
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More pages on
Kells will be forthcoming.
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