Overview
Explore the chambers of an unusual Neolithic burial tomb on a small uninhabited island.
The Holm of Papa Westray chambered cairn is a large and eccentric monument. At around 5,000 years old, this burial monument is very well-preserved. It has a number of unusual elements including the large central chamber and two ‘double’ side cells. It’s also home to a diverse collection of Neolithic artwork.
Today, visitors descend into the chamber through a hatch in the cairn’s reconstructed roof and down a vertical ladder, but in Neolithic times entry was through a long, low and narrow passage. Inside is a 20m-long central chamber, with 12 small cells at low level leading off it.
Explore more with Orkney Digital Guide
Discover nearly 5,000 years of Orkney’s history and prehistory, including Holm of Papa Westray, with our Orkney Digital Guide.
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