La Hougue Bie

La Hougue Bie is a Neolithic passage grave located in the parish of Grouville on the island of Jersey. The site consists of a massive earthen mound covering a stone-built passage and chamber. It is recognized as one of the largest and best-preserved passage graves in Western Europe.

The site was constructed around 3500 BC during the Neolithic period. This makes the monument over 5,500 years old, predating the Egyptian pyramids. The massive stone structure was built by early farming communities living on the island of Jersey.

Visitors to the Jersey Heritage site can walk through the ancient stone passage and main chamber, which famously aligns with the equinox sunrise. The top of the massive earthen mound features two medieval chapels that were built directly over the prehistoric tomb. The site also includes a museum dedicated to Neolithic life and archaeology.

The primary purpose of the site was as a communal burial chamber for the Neolithic community. The main passageway is precisely aligned so that sunlight penetrates directly into the back of the chamber during the spring and autumn equinoxes. This alignment suggests it also held significant spiritual or astronomical importance for its builders.