Scotland travelers will find that mystery largely shrouds the underground relics surrounding Kirkwall. With archeological remains dating back thousands of years, travelers with a heart for adventure and a lack of claustrophobia will greatly enjoy digging into ancient history on this Orkney Island hot spot.
Little is known about Mine Howe, a series of subterranean chambers sitting just outside of Kirkwall. While experts have guessed that the land was originally a shrine likely from the Iron Age, no one is quite sure of the relic's origins or purpose. Travelers can examine the damp, dark maze of rooms for themselves and may come up with their own ideas for the impressively resilient structure.
Travelers will likely feel like they are descending to middle earth when they lift the heavy trap door of Rennibister Earth House. Believed to be more than 3,000 years old, this underground chamber still stands upon its four pillars and is suspected to be a place for rituals.
Kirkwall town proper is famed for its numerous cathedrals. St. Magnus is a favorite for many visitors because of its impressive stone work and dungeon. Encompassing a romantic past, the dungeon is said to be the holding place for Jane Forsyth, a woman accused of witchcraft whose lover took her to far-off Manchester to escape persecution.
Subterranean treasures in Kirkwall
Posted on Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2012
