Discovering History on the Orkney Islands
Day 130 of 164 Days Around the World Cruise
The Heart of Neolithic Orkney
The Orkney Islands are home to some of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in the world. The Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and St Magnus Cathedral are three of the most popular tourist attractions on the islands, and for good reason. These ancient sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in Orkney thousands of years ago.
The Ring of Brodgar is a stone circle that is over 5,000 years old. It is one of the largest stone circles in Europe, with a diameter of over 300 feet. The stones are made of local sandstone, and they are thought to have been erected by a Neolithic people who lived in Orkney around 3100 BC. The purpose of the Ring of Brodgar is unknown, but it is thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes.
The Stones of Stenness are another important prehistoric monument in Orkney. They are a group of standing stones that are located about a mile from the Ring of Brodgar. The stones are thought to be even older than the Ring of Brodgar, and they are believed to have been erected by a Neolithic people who lived in Orkney around 3100 BC. The Stones of Stenness are thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes, and they may have been part of a larger ritual complex that included the Ring of Brodgar.
St Magnus Cathedral is a medieval cathedral that is located in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. The cathedral was built in the 12th century by Earl Rognvald Kali Kolsson, and it is dedicated to St Magnus, the patron saint of Orkney. St Magnus Cathedral is a beautiful and impressive building, and it is one of the most important historical sites in Orkney.
The Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and St Magnus Cathedral are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are a testament to the rich history and culture of the Orkney Islands, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in Orkney thousands of years ago.
If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Orkney Islands, I encourage you to visit these three amazing sites. You will not be disappointed.