21 Breathtaking Images from the Mysterious Book of Kells

The Book of Kells (also known as the “Book of Columba) is one of the great masterpieces of Irish Christian culture.

It’s a copy of the four Gospels in Latin with beautiful, intricate illuminations. But despite its renown, not much is known about its origins.

Most historians date its creation to the late 8th century or so. No one knows exactly who created it, though theories abound. It gets the name “Book of Kells” from the fact that it was kept at a monastery in the town of Kells for a long time in the medieval period. It’s called “Book of Columba” because there’s a legend that it was created single-handedly by St. Columba, who brought the gospel to Scotland in the 6th century.

Aside from its spectacular beauty, another thing that makes the Book of Kells particularly interesting is the symbolism in its illuminations. Its pages are full of strange creatures and signs that historians have reveled in trying to decipher.

And if all of that isn’t cool enough, it’s currently being held in the Old Library at Trinity College in Dublin, which looks like this:

Superchilum / Wikimedia Commons

Below are 21 incredible images from this beautiful and mysterious book. You can click on any image to enlarge it.

Enjoy!