zoom_in Click to enlarge

Skara Brae

▲ ▼

description Skara Brae Overview

Skara Brae is a Neolithic stone settlement located on the Bay of Skaill in Orkney, Scotland. Occupied from approximately 3180 to 2500 BCE, it consists of eight clustered dwellings connected by low, stone-built passages. The houses feature intact interior furnishings, including stone beds, dressers, and central hearths, providing a rare glimpse into prehistoric domestic life. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best-preserved prehistoric villages in Europe.

help Skara Brae FAQ

How old is Skara Brae?

Skara Brae was occupied from approximately 3100 to 2500 BCE, making it older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza. The Neolithic settlement predates Roman occupation of Britain by several millennia.

Where is Skara Brae located?

Skara Brae is located on the Bay of Skaill on the Orkney Mainland, an archipelago off the northern coast of Scotland. The site sits near the western edge of the largest Orkney island, directly exposed to the North Atlantic.

How was Skara Brae discovered?

Skara Brae was discovered in 1850 when a severe winter storm stripped away the grass and sand that had buried the site for millennia. The local laird, William Watt of Skaill, initiated the first excavations after the storm revealed ancient stone walls protruding from the dunes.

What features have been found inside the dwellings at Skara Brae?

Each of the approximately ten Stone Age houses at Skara Brae contains built-in stone furniture including stone beds, storage boxes, and a central hearth, along with stone "dressers" positioned opposite the entrance. Interconnected stone passages between the houses are unusually well-preserved for a settlement of this age.

swap_horiz

Looking for Skara Brae alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward