Things to see and do at Chysauster Ancient Village
Visit Chysauster Ancient Village and you can spend the day exploring the really remarkable remains of long-lost settlement. Here are our highlights of what to see and do, including where to find the best views, and how to seek our secret tunnels.
Take in the glorious views
Walk up from the entrance to the upper boundary of Chysauster Ancient Village, and you will get a breathaking view across beautiful countryside stretching right down to the coast.
Seeing this view, you can understand why Chysauster was chosen by ancient people as their home with its natural water source, open space for agriculture and far-reaching views to spot any potential attackers. Today the view is peaceful and well worth the walk to the top of the site.
Explore the Houses
Today, you can walk about the remains of Chysauster Ancient Villages’ stone houses, and imagine what life was like thousands of years ago.
The houses are laid out along a village street. Look for the stones with hollows in them (thought to be sockets for timber uprights), as well as spotting the water channels. And you can explore the ancient rooms in their original layouts. Read more about the history of Chysauster Ancient Village before you go visit.
Investigate the Fogou
Close to House 7, on the southern side of the Chysauster Ancient Village, you can see two large capstones which mark the entrance to a fogou or underground passage.
Once part of the village, this passage could have been used for storage or a shelter. But maybe you can think of another use? Other fogous can be seen at nearby Carn Euny Ancient Village and Halliggye Fogou.
Walk on the Wild Side
Chysauster is home to a great range of birds, wildlife, flora and fauna. Throughout the year, you can enjoy a display of colour, song and fragrance as you wander through the houses of these ancient people.
Orchids, gorse and bluebells grow amid the stone remains and in the surrounding countryside. You might even spot the odd rabbit, fox, shrew or little bird enjoying the changing seasons.