The standing stones of Callanish/ Calanais, Isle of Lewis. Outer Hebrides, Scotland


The Callanish Stones (or "Callanish I", Clachan Chalanais or Tursachan Chalanais in Scottish Gaelic) are an arrangement of standing stones placed in a cruciform pattern with a central stone circle. They were erected in the late Neolithic era, and were a focus for ritual activity during the Bronze Age. They are near the village of Callanish (Gaelic: Calanais) on the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The Callanish Stones (grid reference NB213330) are situated on a low ridge above the waters of Loch Roag with the hills of Great Bernera as a backdrop.[1] Numerous other ritual sites lie within a few kilometres.[1] These include at least three other circles, several arcs, alignments and single stones; many visible from the main site.[2] The most impressive – Callanish II and Callanish III – lie just over a kilometre southeast of the main Callanish Stones, and originally consisted of circles of stones at least eight in number.[1] The existence of other monuments in the area implies that Callanish was an active focus for prehistoric religious activity for at least 1500 years.[3] (Wikipedia)


Size: 3888px × 2592px
Location: Callanish, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
Photo credit: © Lars Ørstavik / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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