# Columba founds Iona (563)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/563-columba-founds-iona
Location: Iona, Scotland
Themes: Monasticism

The Irish monk Columba founds a monastery on Iona, a base for converting the Picts and Northumbria. At this point in the timeline (563), the Bishop of Rome was Pope John III (17 July 561 – 13 July 574).

## Why it matters
Columba founds Iona mattered because it shaped the religious life of monks, nuns and orders who carried learning, prayer and charity through the centuries.

Pope at the time: [Pope John III](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-john-iii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Iona Abbey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iona_Abbey)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Columba founds Iona](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Columba+founds+Iona)
- [Wikipedia — Age Of Councils (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_seven_ecumenical_councils)