Top 15 Attractions That Are Older Than Stonehenge

Every year millions of tourists book Stonehenge tickets and see why it is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the world. However, many monuments and archaeological sites predate Stonehenge (which is over 5000 years old) by thousands more years, and they are worth travelling to as well. 

When characterizing exceedingly old visitor attractions, Stonehenge is sometimes regarded as the standard because of the rich and differing history of Stonehenge. Nevertheless, several monuments and archaeological sites predate this more well-known one by thousands of years.

It’s also important to note that most of the locations we’ll be examining haven’t been overwhelmed by eager tourists because of Stonehenge’s enormous shadow. Since the summer solstice is a popular time to visit attractions, it is also a particularly advantageous time to start thinking about your next trip to the locations on our list. Many of these locations were designed with the motions of the planets and stars in mind, adding to their uniqueness when the occasion arises.

So, let’s look at 15 of the top ancient attractions from around the world that are around the same age or older than Stonehenge.

Scottish flatlands are covered with the Stones of Stenness (5000 years old)

These few stones can be found somewhere in the middle of a green field in Orkey, Scotland. Their height and acute angles stand out in this sparsely inhabited hamlet. One other stone, known as the Watch Stone, since it faces the lake and is not visible from this location, is also there.

The wheel of the giants takes us to the East (5000 years old).

It is still unknown why the ancients brought over 40,000 tons of stone to this region in the Golan Heights. The site is nonetheless fascinating to explore despite that. Unfortunately, the only times it is available to tourists, according to Daily Mail, are on weekends or during vacations.

Zorats Karer has continued to be unpolished (7,500 years old).

When discussing ancient monuments, one expects to see locations like this one. Older-looking stones are rather frequent, but Zorats Karer stands out because of its sharp edges. Attractions like this are simple additions to the agenda thanks to Armenia’s stunning summer environment.

But as it has aged, Almendres Cromlech has become softer (5,000 years old).

These standing stones differ from others on the list because they have completely smooth edges. Others are dispersed all around, but this set is in a dirt clearing in a woodland in Évora, Portugal. One of the reasons Portugal is so underappreciated is because of overlooked ancient sites like this one.

The artwork of Nuevo Tolima has scarcely aged (20,000 years old).

Long lengths of artwork that transform Colombia’s stone cliffs into paintings may still be as vibrant as the day they were created thousands of years ago. But, according to Trans-Americas, they are situated in the countryside of Guaviare and were just recently made accessible to tourists. Thus, the country and its adventures are still relatively new.

Avebury’s historic centre harbours a wealth of ancient secrets (5,000 years old).

According to English Heritage, the stone circle surrounding Avebury hamlet has several prehistoric sites. It so happens that the South Long Barrow tomb is among the region’s oldest. If travellers are brave enough, they can enter its eerie interior chamber.

The world’s largest collection of rock art is in Murujuga (30,000 years old).

This Australian peninsula is covered with red rock mounds that form a natural art gallery that visitors can freely explore on their own time. According to Karratha, these stone carvings show the lifestyles of the indigenous people who lived there 30,000 years ago. Their ancestors still inhabit the region.

There was not always so calm in Monte D’Accoddi (4,000 years old).

According to Tharros, this Sardinian monument consists of two sacrifice altars that are formed by grassy slopes bordered with stone. Visitors can ascend the stairs to the building’s summit for a good view of the surrounding barren plains and mountains, but there are no entrances to investigate.

During the winter solstice, Newgrange warms up (5,200 years old).

During the winter solstice, light seeps through the tomb’s tiny opening and illuminates it from the front to the back. According to the Newgrange website, a lottery is utilized to whittle down the guest list because so many people want to witness this event from within the structure.

The Cueva de las Manos bears the imprints of former inhabitants (13,000 years old).

According to the UNESCO website, groups of prehistoric humans painted their handprints on the walls of this cave at least 9,500 years ago. Many comparable caverns in more populated areas have already been sealed up to prevent damage. This one still hasn’t. Before that alter, check it out in Argentina.

Ggantija, the neighbour next door, is also clinging on (3,500 years old).

Although it is situated in the same area as the previous Maltese temple complex, this one is still outdoors. Instead of building paths through the temples, those in charge of this site decided to build them beside them to maintain the original architecture.

Hilly retreat Brae Skara (3,100 years old)

According to Orkney Jar, the houses in this image were submerged in the grassy mound. The chambers are all accessible from the walkway, but guests are not permitted to leap down into them. Many of them still have hearths and furnishings made of stone.

The Carnac Stones of France are visible for miles (4,500 years old).

Compared to the other Neolithic structures on this list, most of the Carnac stones are very modest, yet they cover more than two kilometres of ground. Le Petit Train de Carnac promotes a $7–$8 train service on its website for those who don’t want to walk.

Aar Qim has lived through better eras (3,600 years old).

The temple is an excellent site for travellers who want to make the most of their stay because it is close to Malta’s renowned Blue Grotto. However, living near the water has drawbacks. According to the Times of Malta, a protective tent was erected to stop regular rain and wind from worsening the situation.

There wasn’t much before Göbekli Tepe (12,000 years old).

Stonehenge sounds like recent history when National Geographic gives its estimated age of 12,000 years. By restricting access to the nearby balcony, what’s left of it is preserved intact. From there, you may observe carved pillars and ruined temples that have caused scholars to reevaluate the progression of civilization.

Interested in visiting Stonehenge and finding out more interesting facts and theories?

Staying in London? Check out these London to and Stonehenge Day Tours on offer…