The Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Overview
Some 5,000 years ago, the prehistoric people of the Orkney Islands began building extraordinary monuments out of stone. Each of the four Heart of Neolithic Orkney sites is a masterpiece of Neolithic design and construction in itself. But together they represent one of the richest surviving Neolithic landscapes in Western Europe.
The series of important domestic and ritual monuments gives us incredible insights into the society, skills and spiritual beliefs of the people who built the monuments.
Skara Brae is a domestic settlement whose stone walls, passageways and stone furnishings – including beds and ‘dressers’ – survive to the present day.
Maeshowe, a chambered tomb, is an extraordinary example of Neolithic architectural genius. It was designed so that the light of the setting sun at the winter solstice focuses on the narrow passageway, illuminating the chamber inside.
The Stones of Stenness circle and henge is a very early example of this type of monument. The surviving stones are enormous, standing up to 6m tall.
The Ring of Brodgar is a great stone circle 130m across. Surrounded by a rock cut ditch, it is set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre of lochs and hills.
The Heart of Neolithic Orkney lies in a wider archaeological landscape rich with remains from Neolithic times and many later periods of Orcadian history.
World Heritage Management
UNESCO inscribed the Heart of Neolithic Orkney in 1999 for the outstanding testimony the monuments bear to the cultural achievements of the Neolithic peoples of northern Europe.
The World Heritage Site is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble and archaeological landscape that illustrate a significant stage of human history – the age when the first large ceremonial monuments were built.
Individual monuments are technologically ingenious and monumental masterpieces, displaying the highest sophistication in architectural ability.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Statement of Outstanding Universal Value
Historic Environment Scotland manages and cares for the Heart of Neolithic Orkney on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
Our partners in the World Heritage Site’s wider management are:
Visit
Situated on the mainland of Orkney, the World Heritage Site sits within a rich archaeological landscape. All of the monuments that make up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney are open to visitors and are cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. See below for more information on each site.
Places to go
Skara Brae
Visit Skara Brae and explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.
Stones of Stenness
Plan your visit to the Stones of Stenness and explore over 5,000 years of history.
Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge
Explore Ring of Brodgar, an enormous and enigmatic ceremonial site and one of the most spectacular prehistoric monuments in the British Isles.
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Enter Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, one of the finest Neolithic buildings in north-west Europe, a masterpiece of ancient engineering.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Leaflet
Information on the extraordinary monuments that make up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.
Read moreLearning Resources
Explore our engaging World Heritage learning resources, from handling boxes ideal for classroom-based learning to craft activities and even interactive mobile apps. These resources bring Scotland's World Heritage sites to life through hands-on, creative and digital experiences.