Inside the Saint Columba’s Long Tower Church

It was quite interesting to admire Saint Columba’s Church. I have been wondering why the church was also named Long Tower Church when it didn’t even have a tower tall enough to be called “long”. I think this was mentioned by the friendly local who pointed me here but I did not pay attention. Saint Columba’s Church was build near two old Christian sites, one was Templull Morr, which was Derry’s cathedral back then until it was destroyed in an explosion, the second one was an old monastery with a round tower, this was where the church got its name from. It was said that the monastery was near the current Long Tower church, however research seems to indicate that the monastery was closer Saint Augustine’s Church further down the wall of Derry.

It was time to go in, and surprisingly, the main door of the church was not open and I had to enter from the side. I always have a problem with this since I think churches should be accessible all the time. Anyway, they probably have some practical reason why it is not. The inside of the church feels even smaller than how it appears outside. However, what it loses out on size, it makes up for them in terms of looks. The church is far more impressive than Saint Eugene’s Cathedral, which is much bigger. It is said that the interiors of the church would rival any church in Rome, but I have my reservations. Suffice to say that it looks nice. Of particular interest here are the stained glass windows which decorate the church. It is said that there is a replica of the Book of Kells here in the Church but I didn’t see it. Maybe it is in in a different location. I was disappointed since I was looking forward to see the famous book, maybe I could just see the original one in Dublin.

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