Ring of Brodgar, Neolithic stone circle in Orkney Islands, Scotland
The Ring of Brodgar forms a perfect circle of 104 meters in diameter, surrounded by a deep rock-cut ditch between the Stenness and Harray lochs.
Built around 2500 BCE, the monument originally contained 60 standing stones arranged in a circle, with only 27 megaliths remaining in their positions today.
The stone circle belongs to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage site, representing advanced engineering skills of prehistoric communities in northern Scotland.
The site maintains wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout the year, with dedicated parking spaces located near the entrance to the archaeological complex.
Recent excavations at the Ness of Brodgar revealed a massive stone wall measuring 100 meters long and 6 meters high between ceremonial and residential areas.
Location: Orkney Islands
Location: Stenness
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Part of: Heart of Neolithic Orkney
GPS coordinates: 59.00148,-3.22972
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:24
These structures demonstrate the architectural importance of circles across cultures. From ancient amphitheaters to modern skyscrapers, these locations present technical innovation and cultural tradition. The selection includes temples, museums, stadiums, and observatories spanning several centuries.
Stone circles are megalithic structures from prehistoric times. These monuments served as astronomical observation points and gathering places. The constructions demonstrate the technical abilities of early societies. The stones were placed and aligned with precision. Many of these circles connect to solstices and star constellations.
Maes Howe
2.4 km
Ness of Brodgar
941 m
Stones of Stenness
1.5 km
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
2.4 km
Unstan Chambered Cairn
2.1 km
Barnhouse Settlement
1.5 km
Loch of Harray
2.5 km
Happy Valley
4.5 km
Tormiston Mill
2.6 km
Mill Of Ireland
3.6 km
Watch Stone
1.3 km
Comet Stone
187 m
Ness of Brodgar
933 m
Stromness, 8 Victoria Street, Warehouse
5.7 km
Stenness Church
1.9 km
Bridge of Waithe
2.5 km
John Rae statue
5.8 km
Knowe of Onston,or Unstan,chambered cairn
2 km
Burrian,broch W shore of Loch of Harray
2.1 km
Mill Of Rango, Sandwick
5.6 km
5-9 Victoria Street, Stromness
5.7 km
Brodgar RSPB Reserve
196 m
Bankburn
4.3 km
Harbour Office, 16 Victoria Street, Stromness
5.8 km
Royal Bank Of Scotland, 1, 3 Victoria Street, Stromness
5.7 km
Buckan, enclosure 150m N of
1.7 km
Bridge of Brodgar
1.2 km
Binscarth House
5.4 kmReviews
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