Maeshowe

Maeshowe is a large Neolithic chambered cairn on Mainland, Orkney, Scotland, dating to around 2800 BC and recognised as part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is notable for its precise stone construction and axial passage grave design.

The tomb’s long entrance passage leads to a central chamber; the passage is aligned to admit winter solstice light into the interior, a feature that attracts interest for its prehistoric astronomical orientation. Inside, the walls preserve numerous Norse runic inscriptions left by 12th-century Viking visitors.

Built by Neolithic communities for burial and ceremonial purposes, the site has been excavated and conserved; modern management restricts entry to guided tours to protect the structure and its archaeology. It sits in a landscape rich in other Neolithic monuments, including nearby standing stones and burial sites.

Maeshowe is located near the village of Stenness on Orkney Mainland, a short drive from Kirkwall and adjacent to other major Neolithic sites such as the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar.

• Access and protection: Part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site and typically accessed only on timed guided tours to protect the fragile interior.

What to See #

• Central chamber and passage: A central burial chamber with a long access passage aligned so that winter solstice light enters the main chamber; the interior contains Neolithic stonework and requires guided entry.
• Viking runes: Significant Norse runic inscriptions carved into the interior walls by Viking visitors in the 12th century, regarded as one of the largest collections of such graffiti in Britain.