This archaeological site is considered one of the most mystical in the world. Scientists still disagree about the purpose of the building. The approximate date of the foundation of Stonehenge – XXX century BC. It consists of stone blocks weighing up to 45 tons, arranged in rings or in the form of a horseshoe. It is estimated that such labor-intensive work was carried out by several thousand people for 300 years. The site is protected by UNESCO.
Famous for its mysteries and legends Stonehenge is an ancient megalith located in the south of England, in the Salisbury district, 130 km from London. It is a complex of 30 roughly hewn huge pillars and slabs of stone, stacked on top of each other in concentric circles.
The function of Stonehenge is still not fully understood by scientists: some think it was a temple, others an astronomical observatory, some think it was a tomb, and legends say that Atlanteans, Hyperboreans and the famous wizard Merlin all performed rituals here.
This place is one of the most mysterious in the world, it is considered an archaeological monument and is included in the list of protected sites by UNESCO. Many tourists, who want to see this wonder of the world, come to Stonehenge to wander around the stones. It is forbidden to approach the structures, but at sunrise or sunset you can enter the center of the circle.
The origins of
The main mysteries of Stonehenge are who built such a monumental structure, how and for what purpose. The stones were carved out of the Prezell Mountains rock and transported here several thousand years ago, overcoming a distance of 200 km!
According to the widespread hypothesis, the megalith was built by ancient Celtic priests, the Druids, and was used as a temple of the heavenly bodies, but it does not agree with the age of dolmens, established by archaeologists – 3-5 thousand years BC.
Celtic legends claim that Stonehenge is the sanctuary of the wizard Merlin, which he created by the power of magic.
Another purpose attributed to the megalith is a pagan temple where stone idols were sacrificed and burials were held. Scientists are still more inclined to the version of the ancient observatory. With the radiocarbon method it was determined that the moat and the ramparts were made about 5000 years BC. Then the monoliths were brought here and the circular stone structure with a diameter of 30 m was made. The weight of the largest elements is up to 50 tons, so it is a miracle to deliver and install these giants without modern technical equipment.
Multi-ton vertical columns are covered with huge slabs and look like a colonnade. They are connected by a system of slots and cleats, so the construction has stood the test of time and almost did not fall apart.
Not far from the complex there are other interesting objects. For example, 5 km away is the burial of a rich man who lived at the time of the construction of the megalith. Silbury Hill is a 40-metre high artificial mound; it is also a World Heritage Site, one of the largest in the world and the same age as Stonehenge.
Practical information
Address: Amesbury, Salisbury SP4 7DE. GPS coordinates: 51.179177, -1.826284.
How to get there: With a group tour from London (cost from 60 GBP), by hire car or train from Waterloo Station to Salisbury Station, then 40 minutes by Wilts & Dorset Stonehenge Tour bus or cab for about 30 GBP.