Saint Andrew

Saint Andrew was an Apostle, the older brother of Saint Peter. He went to Greece to preach the gospel, where he was martyred by crucifixion at Patras in Achaia, being tied to a cross which was shaped like the letter X; called ever since the “Saint Andrew’s cross” (it is said that Saint Andrew felt unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross on which Christ had been crucified). He made his cross a pulpit and even preached from it before dying.

The flag of Scotland is the Cross of St. Andrew, and this is widely displayed as a symbol of national identity.

The Ruins of the Castle of St Andrews by Captain John Sleezer (1814 edition)

The relics of Saint Andrew were brought to Scotland in Antiquity by St Rule and placed in a specially constructed chapel in Scotland. This chapel was replaced by the Cathedral of St. Andrews in 1160, and the town of St. Andrews, which took its name from the Apostle, became the religious capital of Scotland and a great centre for medieval pilgrims who came to see the relics. St. Andrews Cathedral was destroyed during the Scottish Reformation and is now in ruins.

St. Andrews from the Pier. Engraving by William Bartlett (over 100 years old)

St Andrews from the Pier nowadays

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Romania, Russia, Greece and Scotland. He died in the year 61 and his feast day is on  November 30, the national day of Scotland.

The town is home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Britain's most prestigious. It is now 600 years old. This university became famous worldwide in 2011, when Prince William married Kate Middleton, since both had been students at the university where they met for the first time.

Rug at the entrance of the library.

Students from all over the world attend the university as either undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Graduation Day is a memorable day for students and their families.

St Andrews is a very charming, ancient town, in Fife, near a coastline with picturesque fishing villages.

It is also known worldwide as the "home of golf".

Two years ago I spent some days at St Andrews and I must admit that those were indeed very relaxing holidays!

St. Andrews, 2010