Ale's Stones, Stone ship monument in Valleberga, Sweden.
Description
Ale's Stones is a stone ship in Ystad Municipality, Sweden, made up of 59 large boulders arranged in an oval formation. The formation extends 67 meters in length and 19 meters in width on a rise overlooking the coast.
History
Archaeological excavations in 1989 uncovered a clay pot containing burned human bones, with materials dated between 330 and 650 CE. These finds suggest the monument was built during the Migration Period or Vendel Period.
Culture
The name refers to Ale, a figure from Norse legend, though this connection emerged in later centuries. Visitors today can follow the alignment of the stones, which cast particular shadow patterns on the ground during the solstices.
Practical
The monument sits roughly 32 meters above sea level and is accessible via paths suitable for wheelchairs. Open access to the grounds allows visitors to walk between the stones and view the oval arrangement from different angles.
Did you know?
Each of the 59 stones weighs roughly 5 tonnes and had to be transported from the surrounding landscape to the coastal rise. The stones now form a striking silhouette visible from the sea, serving as a landmark for sailors.
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