iona05 Iona Abbey St Columba, one of the founders of Christianity in Britain, came from Ireland in the year 563, to found a monastery here on Iona. Since that time the island has held an important place in Christianity, an importance reaffirmed in the 13th century when the Benedictine Abbey before you was founded by Reginald, son of Somerled. Eight hundred years later the island's significance was confirmed when the abbey buildings were restored and an active community is once again in residence.