Each huge stone slab rising into the blue sky, as if wanting to harmonize with the universe, as if hiding a sacred spiritual power that surpasses all limits of imagination. The World Heritage Site Stonehenge , through every moment of the day, still wears the coat of myth and mystery, waiting for those passionate about discovery to come and find the answers to the stories hidden in each of those silent stones.
1. History of Stonehenge World Heritage Site
Stonehenge World Heritage Site is one of the most famous ancient wonders of the world, located in Salisbury, England. Built about 5,000 years ago, this structure is a symbol of human civilization in the Neolithic period. Stonehenge consists of giant stones arranged in a circle, each stone is about 4 meters high, weighs many tons and it is not clear how the ancients could move such heavy stones.
While the purpose of Stonehenge remains one of humanity’s greatest mysteries, researchers continue to explore and come up with intriguing theories. Some scholars believe that the structure was a religious center where important rituals took place for the ancient community. The arrangement of the giant stones in a circle and oriented towards the rising sun on the summer solstice reinforces this theory.
There are many hypotheses surrounding the World Heritage Site Stonehenge (Image source: Collected)
Another theory suggests that the Stonehenge World Heritage Site was an ancient observatory. Ancient people may have used the structure to track the movements of the Sun, Moon, and stars, which helped them determine planting, harvesting, and other important astronomical events. The ability to predict natural phenomena helped them adapt better to their environment and lead stable lives.
Aside from theories about its purpose, the construction of Stonehenge was also an incredible feat of engineering. How the ancients were able to transport and install such massive stones remains a question that has yet to be fully answered. Archaeologists have found evidence that the stones were transported from distant lands, suggesting that the ancients had extensive knowledge of geography and construction techniques.
Stonehenge is not only an important archaeological site but also an iconic site of cultural and religious power, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1986.
2. The best time to visit Stonehenge
The best time to visit Stonehenge is from May to September (Photo source: Collected)
To fully enjoy the beauty and unique experience of Stonehenge World Heritage Site, the period from May to September is the most ideal time. In summer, the weather in England is usually warm and there is little rain, making it easy for visitors to visit and take photos.
In particular, every year on the Summer Solstice (June 21) and Winter Solstice (December 21), Stonehenge attracts thousands of tourists and spiritual believers to admire the phenomenon of sunrise and sunset, creating a mysterious scene when the sunlight shines through the stones. This time is also an ideal opportunity to enjoy the festival atmosphere, along with the traditional rituals of ancient religious groups.
3. Experiences at Stonehenge Heritage
3.1. Admire the Stonehenge stone circle
Stonehenge stone circle seen from above (Image source: Collected)
The construction of Stonehenge World Heritage Site was an incredible feat of engineering. The massive stones, weighing tens of tons, were transported from quarries hundreds of miles away. Exactly how the stones were transported and installed is still unclear. It is believed that the ancients used a simple system of pulleys and levers to move the stones. However, transporting the stones over long distances and over difficult terrain remains a major challenge.
Stonehenge is not only a unique architectural work but also a cultural symbol of the British people. Over thousands of years, this work has witnessed many changes in human society. Today, Stonehenge is a world cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors every year. Although many mysteries about Stonehenge have not been solved, this work continues to arouse people's curiosity and exploration.
3.2. Stonehenge Visitor Centre
Stonehenge Visitor Center (Photo source: Collected)
Before witnessing the mystical beauty of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a rich world of knowledge at the Visitor Center. This place is designed as a time gate, taking you back to the past to learn about the history and profound meaning of this ancient structure.
At the exhibitions, ancient artifacts are displayed scientifically and vividly, helping you visualize more clearly the lives of people in the Neolithic period. You will admire stone tools, broken pottery pieces and animal bones found during the excavation process. In addition, vivid simulation videos will take you to participate in the construction process of Stonehenge, from quarrying to transporting and installing giant stone blocks.
3.3. Stonehenge Virtual Reality Experience
Virtual reality experience Stonehenge (Image source: Collected)
The Stonehenge Visitor Centre is not only a place to learn about the history and architecture of this ancient structure, but also an exciting journey of discovery. Here, visitors have the opportunity to "travel back in time" thanks to modern virtual reality technology. Through VR glasses, you will admire the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge in different stages, from when it was just a preliminary idea to becoming the massive and majestic structure it is today.
Vivid images and realistic sounds will take you to the green fields, witnessing the skillful workers transporting and installing giant stone blocks. You will feel their hard work and perseverance in the process of building Stonehenge. Not only that, you can also explore the rituals and activities that took place here, from the ceremonies to the gods to the community meetings.
3.4. Join tours led by archaeologists
To fully understand the interesting things of Stonehenge, you should take a guided tour (Photo source: Collected)
To fully explore the beauty and mysteries of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, visitors should join guided tours with archaeologists and historical experts. With in-depth knowledge and extensive experience, they will take you on an exciting journey of discovery, revealing the hidden corners of this ancient structure.
You will hear fascinating stories about the construction of Stonehenge, from the selection and transport of the giant stones to their precise assembly. Archaeologists will explain in detail the ancient construction techniques used by the ancients, and the simple but effective tools they created.
3.5. Enjoy sunrise and sunset at Stonehenge
Beautiful sunset at Stonehenge (Photo source: Collected)
One of the most memorable experiences when visiting the Stonehenge World Heritage Site is witnessing the sunrise or sunset. When the first rays of the new day shine on the ancient stones, a magical and enchanting scene will appear before your eyes. Sunlight filters through the gaps between the stones, creating shimmering streaks of light, illuminating the lush green lawns. It feels like the entire space around Stonehenge becomes alive and full of life.
Watching the sunrise or sunset at Stonehenge is not just about admiring a beautiful natural scene but also a profound spiritual experience. In that quiet and sacred space, you will feel the magical connection between humans and nature, between the past and the present. Many people believe that this is an opportunity for them to find peace of mind and feel the positive energy from the universe.
Stonehenge still stands silently in the middle of Salisbury Plain, like a majestic song of the past echoing in the present. Over thousands of years, those towering stones are not only witnesses of time, but also a place where history and legend meet, where human imagination soars high and far. At the end of the journey, every visitor carries with them a bit of mystery, a bit of fascination with mythology, immersing themselves in the timeless story of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site - the eternal heritage of humanity.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/di-san-the-gioi-stonehenge-v15967.aspx
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