Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

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The riddle of the stones. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

Stonehenge—part ancient marvel, part prehistoric riddle. Standing proudly on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, this stone circle has intrigued historians, archaeologists and curious travellers for centuries. But what is it? A celestial calendar? A burial site? A gathering place for ancient ceremonies? While we may never have all the answers, Stonehenge certainly rocks the imagination.

Constructed around 5,000 years ago, this Neolithic monument was a feat of both engineering and determination. The larger stones, known as sarsens, weigh an average of 22 tonnes each and were likely transported from nearly 20 miles away. The smaller bluestones—still weighing in at around two tonnes each—came from Wales, roughly 150 miles away! Just how they were moved remains a point of debate, with theories ranging from rollers and sledges to waterways and sheer manpower. In modern times, Stonehenge has been the backdrop for festivals, research and serious debates over preservation as millions visit each year to walk among these ancient giants. Crowds gather each year at this UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is aligned to the sunrise on the summer solstice and the sunset on the winter solstice.