The 7,000-Year-Old Vinoř Roundel: Europe’s Neolithic Marvel

Unearthed near Prague, the 7,000-year-old Neolithic circular structure of Vinoř is one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in Central Europe. Dating to around 4800–4600 BC, this monumental “roundel” predates both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, highlighting the architectural ingenuity of Europe’s earliest farming communities.
The structure measures an impressive 180 feet in diameter and features three entrances, suggesting a carefully planned design that may have held ceremonial, social, or astronomical significance.
Recent excavations have shown that nearly 90% of its floor plan has been preserved, making it one of the best-documented examples of its kind. The Vinoř roundel provides invaluable insights into the ritual and communal practices of early Neolithic societies, offering a rare glimpse into the organizational abilities and cultural expressions of prehistoric Europe.