Druids (Celtic high priests) were believed to build Stonehenge. However, radiocarbon dating showed that Stonehenge was erected a millennia before the Celts were in the area. It is now believed that different tribes contributed to its construction and Neolithic agrarians were the first.
The megaliths are sarsen stones from Marlborough Downs, which is about 32 kilometers away from the monument. The largest megalith is the Heel Stone, which weighs about 30 tons - a little higher than the average 25 tons of the other stones. Bluestones are the smaller stones, due to the blue hue they get when wet or freshly cut. They come from Preseli Hills, Wales. Some believe that glaciers brought along the stones, while others think humans carried them.
Stonehenge was created in three major stages, further divided into several smaller stages. Initially, it was simply an earthwork enclosure where the dead were cremated. The stones were erected much later. Hammerstones of sarsen and flint were found north of Stonehenge. The larger hammerstones would have been used to roughly cut the stone, while the smaller ones would have been used to give them a smooth finish. A large hole with a slope was dug around the sarsens, lined with wooden stakes. The hole was packed with rubble to ensure the stone remained upright. The outer ring of stones was at an even height, even though the area was not flat.
Stonehenge’s massive stones, aligned with the sun's movements during the summer and winter solstices, make it an extraordinary achievement in ancient engineering and astronomy. Its circular layout and the mystery of how these stones were transported from afar have intrigued historians and scientists for centuries.
Stonehenge is aligned with the movements of the sun, particularly the summer solstice when the sun rises directly above the Heel Stone. This suggests that the site may have been used for ceremonial purposes related to the seasons.
To avoid crowds, visit during the off-peak season (autumn or winter), or aim for early morning or late afternoon time slots. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid large crowds. Visiting during the winter solstice or summer solstice can be a special experience, but expect large crowds during these events.
Yes, Stonehenge offers wheelchair access, including a shuttle bus to the Stone Circle for those with mobility issues. The visitor center is also fully accessible.
Nearby attractions include the historic city of Salisbury, Old Sarum, and Avebury, another prehistoric stone circle. Many visitors combine these sites into a day trip.
The most popular events at Stonehenge are the summer and winter solstices, where people gather to witness the sunrise and sunset in alignment with the stones. Other seasonal events are hosted at the Visitor Center.
No, visitors are not allowed to touch the stones as part of preservation efforts. However, special access tours are occasionally available where you can get closer to the stones under supervision.
