Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge

  • Mainland, Orkney

 

Overview

Step back in time over 5000 years at what may be the earliest henge monument in the British Isles. The enormous Stones of Stenness are all that remains of a great stone circle on an ancient ceremonial site.

The Stones of Stenness today consist of four upright stones up to 6m in height in a circle that originally held 12 stones. The focus of the interior was a large hearth. The stones were encircled by a large ditch and bank, the form of which has been lost over time by ploughing.

The Stones of Stenness are part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, a series of important domestic and ritual monuments built 5000 years ago in the Orkney Islands.

Other major locations in the World Heritage site include:

Explore more with Orkney Digital Guide

Discover nearly 5,000 years of Orkney’s history and prehistory, including the Stones of Stenness, with our Orkney Digital Guide.

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Open year-round

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