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The Standing Stones of Stenness date from around 3000 BC. Only four of the original twelve stones remain standing today. The stones were built around the same time as Maes Howe but earlier than the Ring of Brodgar, both of which are situated nearby. The tallest stone is over 5 metres high and the circle was originally surrounded by a two metre deep ditch. Remains of animals and artefacts such as pottery were found in the ditch. Outside of the ditch was a large earth bank of which only traces remain today. At the centre of the ring, remains of a stone-lined hearth can be seen and this is a similar type to the ones found at Skara Brae, although experts have not determined if this had a religious purpose. Until the 19th century, the site was known as the 'Temple of the Moon' and the nearby Ring of Brodgar as the 'Temple of the Sun'. It is believed that couples about to marry would go first to the Temple of the Moon, where the woman fell down on her knees and prayed for strength, and then go to the Temple of the Sun where the man did the same. Each New Year's Day, the local people met at Stenness church and danced and feasted for several days.

The Standing Stones of Stenness date from around 3000 BC. Only four of the original twelve stones remain standing today. The stones were built around the same time as Maes Howe but earlier than the Ring of Brodgar, both of which are situated nearby. The tallest stone is over 5 metres high and the circle was originally surrounded by a two metre deep ditch. Remains of animals and artefacts such as pottery were found in the ditch. Outside of the ditch was a large earth bank of which only traces remain today. At the centre of the ring, remains of a stone-lined hearth can be seen and this is a similar type to the ones found at Skara Brae, although experts have not determined if this had a religious purpose. Until the 19th century, the site was known as the 'Temple of the Moon' and the nearby Ring of Brodgar as the 'Temple of the Sun'. It is believed that couples about to marry would go first to the Temple of the Moon, where the woman fell down on her knees and prayed for strength, and then go to the Temple of the Sun where the man did the same. Each New Year's Day, the local people met at Stenness church and danced and feasted for several days.

Photo taken with iPhone - post processing - "Diana" filter on the "Path" app.

The Standing Stones of Stenness date from around 3000 BC. Only four of the original twelve stones remain standing today. The stones were built around the same time as Maes Howe but earlier than the Ring of Brodgar, both of which are situated nearby. The tallest stone is over 5 metres high and the circle was originally surrounded by a two metre deep ditch. Remains of animals and artefacts such as pottery were found in the ditch. Outside of the ditch was a large earth bank of which only traces remain today. At the centre of the ring, remains of a stone-lined hearth can be seen and this is a similar type to the ones found at Skara Brae, although experts have not determined if this had a religious purpose. Until the 19th century, the site was known as the 'Temple of the Moon' and the nearby Ring of Brodgar as the 'Temple of the Sun'. It is believed that couples about to marry would go first to the Temple of the Moon, where the woman fell down on her knees and prayed for strength, and then go to the Temple of the Sun where the man did the same. Each New Year's Day, the local people met at Stenness church and danced and feasted for several days.