Heart of Neolithic Orkney - Scotland
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1999.
Orkney is a group of islands in Northeast Scotland. The 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney' is a group of ancient monuments consisting of a large chambered tomb (Maes Howe), 2 ceremonial stone circles (the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar), and a settlement (Skara Brae), together with a number of unexcavated burial, ceremonial and settlement sites.
Skara Brae is a fascinating Neolithic village occupied from around 3100 to 2500 BC. It's one of Orkney's most-visited sites, and is regarded as one of the most remarkable ancient sites in Europe. Today, Skara Brae exists as 8 dwellings, linked together by a series of low alleyways.
Maes Howe is a late Neolithic chambered tomb, built sometime before 2700BC. Its passage, and the Barnhouse Stone beyond, is famously aligned with the setting of the winter sun. The tomb contains a large collection of later Norse runic inscriptions, as well as Neolithic graffiti.
The Ring of Brodgar comprises a massive ceremonial enclosure and stone circle probably dating from between 2500 and 2000BC. Around it is at least 13 prehistoric burial mounds and a stone setting. The Stones of Stenness is also a ceremonial enclosure, but dates from around 3100-2900BC.
The sites are extraordinarily well preserved, and provide a great insight into the way of life in the far north of Scotland 5,000 years ago.
Must see & do:
- Skaill House - Skaill House offers a unique insight into Orkney's history. This 17th century mansion contains 400 years of memorabilia, including Captain Cook's dinner service.
- The Orkney Museum - This museum tells the story of Orkney from it's first settlers in the Stone Age to AD1800.
- Italian Chapel - Chapel constructed by Italian prisoners-of-war inside a nissen hut, which is now a Listed building.
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