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Now I know, this is not really mythical, although maybe a bit. But Calanais (pronounce as Kalanish) is definitely magical. Especially when you can visit this place when there are few people around. CalanaisThen something magical can happen: something old and ancient and mysterious stripping you and laying bare a sensation hidden deep inside. Until you stand there utterly speechless, tears in your eyes. It is a truly wonderful feeling.

Calanais


CalanaisA lot has been written about these standing stones on Lewis (Outer Hebrides) and I don't feel like explaining their entire story as enough information can be found online. Suffice to say that they are really old (2900-2600 BC), the main site has a cross-shaped setting, centred on a ring of stones with a central monolith and a small chambered cairn. The stone ring is not a true circle and although there is a certain symmetry, no row is straight. Calanais IILittered on the island there are at least eleven more satellite places with fancy names such as Cnoc Ceann a' Ghàrraidh or Cnoc Fhillibhir Bheag (or to make it a wee bit easier - Calanais II and Calanais III). Some are within spitting distance of one another. Others are pretty hard to find.

Calanais III
Conclusion, nobody knows what the site was used for. There are a lot of guesses, but no definite answer.

CalanaisWhat we do know, is that the place is a tourist magnet. During the day, busses drop off hundreds of tourists all gazing at this pre-historic marvel. Bus after bus after bus. So much for taking a picture of the entirety.
When the sun sets, dozens of photographers - some pretending to be more important than others - flock to the east of the stones to take the ultimate picture.

Calanais


When standing among the many tourists or pushy photographers, it is hard to let the place get to you. It is even harder to imagine the place is ever deserted.
CalanaisYou can get a decent chance though, in-between closing hours of the Calanais shop and the setting of the sun. Then you may encounter a few lonely souls, who - when you're really lucky - want to do exactly the same thing as you: let it really get to you. And trust me, it is a feeling worth having.