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Stonehenge – shrouded in mystery |
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About 1.5 hours drive away from the port city of Bristol, on a hill near Amesbury, stands the most legendary historic national symbol of England: Stonehenge.
The name is a combination of the old English words stān meaning “stone” and hencen meaning “hang”. The latter is probably a reference to the way Stonehenge was built, always two upright stones topped by a horizontal stone, also referred to as a hanging stone.
The circular and symmetrical area has a diameter of more than 100 metres. The outer circle consists of giant sandstone blocks, whereas the inner circle is made of so-called bluestones, which come from the Preseli Mountains in the south of Wales.
It is speculated that, during the Neolithic age, Stonehenge was used as a temple to worship various gods. However, the way the stones have been placed, marking the solstices and the equinoxes, could also mean that this was an early observatory, helping the people determine the right time for sowing and harvesting.
Although you will find this magical cult site largely in ruins, it remains a unique place of wonder. The way the monument has survived throughout time, the power it exudes and the secrets it still holds are fundamental, fascinating and inexplicable.
The question as to how and why these enormous stones were brought to this place remains unanswered. And whether it has some deeper, spiritual meaning is also mere speculation.
The stones will probably keep their secret forever. We cannot solve their mystery either, but we would love to take you there!
Zurich–Bristol, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
You can book your flights at www.helvetic.com or simply call
+41 (0)44 270 85 00. For club and group bookings, please contact us directly at info@helvetic.com.
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