St John's Kirk Perth
A historic medieval church in Perth, famed for John Knox's Reformation speech and stunning stained glass windows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy live music in a historic setting.
St John's Kirk Perth
Best Time
Enjoy live music in a historic setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic medieval church in Perth, famed for John Knox's Reformation speech and stunning stained glass windows.
"A beautiful building with an interesting history, brought to life by informative guides."
Check Opening Hours First
St. John's Kirk can close for services or events. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment! :calendar:
Engage with Onsite Guides
Guides like 'Craig' are incredibly informative, bringing the church's history and features to life. :bustsinsilhouette:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stained Glass Windows
Marvel at the gorgeous stained glass, showcasing beautiful colors and craftsmanship. A true testament to artistry.
John Knox's Reformation Speech Site
Stand where John Knox delivered a pivotal speech in 1559, igniting the Scottish Reformation.
WW1 Memorial Silver Cups
See the poignant silver cups commemorating soldiers lost in WW1, a moving tribute.
Mason's Marks
Discover numerous mason's marks, revealing the skill of the many workers involved in its construction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Hours First
St. John's Kirk can close for services or events. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment! :calendar:
Engage with Onsite Guides
Guides like 'Craig' are incredibly informative, bringing the church's history and features to life. :bustsinsilhouette:
Look for Mason's Marks
See if you can find all the mason's marks; they tell a story of the skilled workers. :hammerandwrench:
Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but contributions are welcome to help maintain this beautiful building. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Hours First
St. John's Kirk can close for services or events. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment! :calendar:
Engage with Onsite Guides
Guides like 'Craig' are incredibly informative, bringing the church's history and features to life. :bustsinsilhouette:
Look for Mason's Marks
See if you can find all the mason's marks; they tell a story of the skilled workers. :hammerandwrench:
Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but contributions are welcome to help maintain this beautiful building. :moneybag:
Stunning Stained Glass
Don't miss the gorgeous stained glass windows; their colors and craftsmanship are breathtaking. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. John's Kirk for its beautiful stained glass windows and the informative insights provided by onsite guides. The church's significant historical role, particularly in the Scottish Reformation, is a major draw. While entry is free, donations are appreciated for its upkeep.
"Very welcoming and helpful chap at the door. This church is worth a visit to see its gorgeous stained glass windows. Beautiful colours and craftsmanship. Fine, embroidered wall hanging too. Lots of key interesting points."
Photos Only as G Maps deletes reviews
"The onsite guide 'Craig' (I think this was his name badge!) was really informative and helpful. It's a beautiful building, with an interesting history. The age of the stained glass windows was a surprise and he had lots of interesting snippets of info that brought the place to life. It's really a tardis, from the outside the stone blends into the surroundings but inside the different areas have been brought together. The mason's marks are another story again, the large number (see if you can find them all) are testament to the number of skilled workers involved. The building does need ongoing funds, particularly the spire where the weather cockerel should proudly sit. It would be great to see investment for this to keep it alive and as a great place to explore after the museum."
Claire Francesca M
"Amazing to see the silver cups and read the names of those soldiers who died during WW1. Well worth a visit,no charge,but can leave contribution if you wish. Just across from Perth Museum."
Allan Duncan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. John's Kirk is centrally located in Perth, easily accessible on foot from the city center. It's situated across from the Perth Museum, making it convenient to visit both. Public transport options to Perth city center are readily available, with bus and train stations within walking distance.
While direct parking at the kirk is limited, several public car parks are available in Perth city center, a short walk away. Consider using these if you're arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary as the kirk is a working church and may close for services or events. It's highly recommended to check their official website or contact them directly before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Entry to St. John's Kirk is generally free. However, donations are gratefully accepted to help with the upkeep and preservation of this historic building.
While formal tours might not always be scheduled, onsite guides are often available to share historical insights. Engaging with them can provide a rich understanding of the kirk's significance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
St. John's Kirk is famous for John Knox's pivotal speech in 1559 that sparked the Scottish Reformation. It also features a WW1 memorial with silver cups and numerous mason's marks from its construction. +2
The stained glass windows are a highlight, noted for their beautiful colors and craftsmanship. They are a significant artistic and historical feature of the church.
Yes, St. John's Kirk frequently hosts events, including musical performances like lunchtime recitals, choir concerts, and festival events. 
The building's historic nature may present some challenges. It's advisable to contact the kirk directly to inquire about specific accessibility arrangements.
The spire is a notable feature, and there's an ongoing need for funds for its maintenance, including the weather cockerel that should sit atop it.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted inside St. John's Kirk, but it's always best to be respectful of ongoing services or events. Avoid flash photography, especially during services.
Focus on capturing the intricate details of the stained glass windows, the architectural features, and the WW1 memorial. The spire also offers a great external photo opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Delve into the stories behind the WW1 memorial and the skilled craftsmanship evident in the mason's marks. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub of Reformation History
Visitors can stand in the very space where this historic sermon took place, imagining the fervor and conviction that led to such significant change. The church's role in this period makes it a compelling destination for anyone interested in the history of Scotland and the impact of religious movements.
Beyond the Reformation, the church also serves as a poignant memorial. The WW1 memorial silver cups, inscribed with the names of fallen soldiers, offer a touching tribute to those who served and sacrificed. This blend of national historical significance and personal remembrance makes St. John's Kirk a deeply resonant place to explore.
Architectural Marvels and Hidden Details
A particularly intriguing detail for visitors is the presence of numerous mason's marks. These unique symbols, left by the stonemasons who built the kirk, are a testament to the skill and individuality of the craftsmen. Finding and deciphering these marks can be a fun and engaging activity for visitors, offering a glimpse into the practicalities of medieval construction.
The spire is another prominent architectural feature, though it requires ongoing funding for maintenance. The hope is for continued investment to preserve this iconic element and ensure the kirk remains a vibrant landmark.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit