Bryn Celli Ddu (or “the Mound in the Dark Grove”) is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments on Anglesey and an important British archaeological site.

The enchanting burial chamber dates back to the Neolithic period, likely built as a place where the remains of ancestors could be paid respects and protected.

A memorable mound

Bryn Celli Ddu is situated in the idyllic pastures of Anglesey in Wales.

The grassy mound is a striking sight in the otherwise flat landscape, and when you enter the dark doorway that leads within, you’ll feel like you’ve been suddenly transported back thousands of years.

Touching the mossy, worn stones that have held the chamber up since the Stone Age, you’ll be lost in fascination and struck by the ingenuity of the craftsmen who managed to build this fascinating place.

Ancient history

Before it was a burial ground, Bryn Celli Ddu was actually a henge dug around a stone circle.

These upright stones were often used in rituals, and several of them still survive today.

The circle was at some point replaced when a mound was built over it to turn it into a chambered tomb, which was first explored in the nineteenth century and eventually excavated in 1928.

During the excavation, many interesting objects were found inside the passage, including human bones that had been burned.

Excavators also unearthed arrowheads, quartz, and limpet shells, as well as a decorated pattern stone that was found near the chamber’s ceremonial pit.

A replica of this stone rests near the site for you to check out during your visit.

The mystery of the tomb

One of the most interesting aspects of Bryn Celli Ddu is the fact that it seems to be some kind of marker for the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

During the sunrise on the summer solstice, the passageway is illuminated by shafts of light that reveal the tomb’s innermost chamber.

The exact purpose of this aspect of the tomb is unknown. A popular explanation is that the light of the solstice was in some way meant to bring warmth to those buried within.

What do you think the purpose of this unusual design might be?

We're sure that a visit to Bryn Celli Ddu will make for a fun and fascinating trip for people of all ages, and since the site is accessible by both bike and car, it’s an ideal place to spend a great day out.