La Hougue Bie, Neolithic passage grave with medieval chapels in Grouville, Jersey.
La Hougue Bie is an ancient burial chamber topped by an earthen mound where two medieval chapels were later constructed. The passage below contains a central chamber and is lined with stone supports that have survived thousands of years.
The monument dates to Neolithic times when it served as a communal burial place for island inhabitants. Medieval communities later built chapels on top, transforming it into a Christian holy site while preserving its earlier purpose.
The site shows how religious beliefs changed over time, with two medieval chapels built atop the ancient mound representing Christianity's arrival on the island. Visitors can see how different communities used the same sacred location across thousands of years.
The site is easily accessible with outdoor areas and an indoor passage you can walk through if you are comfortable in enclosed spaces. Plan your visit on a clear day if you want good views from the top of the mound.
The passage entrance aligns with the sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes, allowing light to reach the inner chamber at these specific times. This reveals that the prehistoric builders possessed remarkable knowledge of celestial movements.
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