Guernsey's Rich Heritage: From Neolithic Dolmens to Nazi Bunkers

Guernsey, a 63.4 km² island in the Channel Islands, offers a diverse range of heritage sites spanning from prehistoric monuments to World War II fortifications. The island's Neolithic past is evidenced by well-preserved dolmens such as Dehus, protected since 1775, and menhirs including female-shaped ones. Castle Cornet, built in the early 13th century at the entrance of St Peter Port, served as a defensive fortress during centuries of Franco-English conflict and now houses military museums. The Old Government House, originally an 18th-century merchant's house, became the lieutenant-governor's residence in 1796, later a hotel in 1858, and was used as Nazi headquarters during the German occupation from 30 June 1940 to 9 May 1945. Candie Gardens, Victorian-era gardens in St Peter Port, feature exotic plants from the British Empire, a statue of Queen Victoria erected in 1900, and a tower built in 1848 commemorating the 1846 royal visit. Hauteville House, Victor Hugo's residence from 1856 to 1870, is a total work of art designed by Hugo himself, now owned by the City of Paris since 1927. German occupation left numerous military structures, including an underground hospital with 7,000 m² of tunnels now a museum, and observation towers like MP3 Pleinmont, restored in 1991. The island will participate in 'Millennium, l'Année européenne des Normands' in 2027, marking the millennium of William the Conqueror's birth.