A series of stone archways set apart from the main convict compound in the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ruin is something of a mystery.

While the Arches can be dated to the 1840s when Norfolk Island hosted a cruel penal colony for twice-convicted prisoners, its purpose is still a matter of debate. The ruin’s imposing size and grand design have left historians puzzled as to its function. Some say it was a prisoners’ barracks. Others say it was a stable for horses.

We say: take a look and speculate for yourself. Alternatively, go with a guide who can fill you in on what we do know about the history of the site, which once hosted a convict-era agricultural complex, little of which remains.