Ness of Brodgar
The site in 2016 | |
Ness of Brodgar Location in Scotland, United Kingdom | |
| Location | Mainland, Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 58°59′50″N 03°12′56″W / 58.99722°N 3.21556°W |
| Type | Settlement or religious site |
| History | |
| Founded | c. 3000 BC |
| Abandoned | c. 2200 BC |
| Periods | Neolithic |
| Site notes | |
| Excavation dates | 2002-2024 |
| Archaeologists | Nick Card |
| Ownership | Ness of Brodgar Trust; also private ownership |
| Public access | Only by guided tour during excavation |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, ii, iii, iv |
| Designated | 1999 (23rd session) |
| Part of | Heart of Neolithic Orkney |
| Reference no. | 514 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
The Ness of Brodgar is a Neolithic archaeological site covering 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres) located between the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site on Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. Excavations took place from 2003 to 2024, after which the site was infilled to protect the exposed structures from environmental damage.
The site has provided evidence of decorated stone slabs, a stone wall 6 metres (20 ft) thick with foundations, and a large building described as a Neolithic temple. Activity at the site can be dated to around 3500–3400 BC. By 2200 BC, the site had been closed down and partially dismantled.