Stonehenge, situated on a hill near a busy road, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Its construction began 5000 years ago, preceding the construction of the pyramids in Egypt. The stone circle we see today was erected in the late Neolithic period around 2500 BC. Recognizing its cultural and historical significance, Stonehenge has been a legally protected monument since 1882 and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Stonehenge holds the distinction of being considered a Solstice temple, with a focus on the mid-summer and mid-winter festivities. Its design incorporates solar and lunar alignments, making it a complex calendar that allowed its builders to track time and the changing seasons. Through Stonehenge, the ancient people were able to predict solstices, equinoxes, and other celestial events, enabling them to coordinate religious and agricultural activities based on these astronomical phenomena. The dual functionality of Stonehenge as both a solar and lunar calendar reflects the profound understanding the ancient builders had of celestial rhythms, as well as their ability to create a magnificent architectural masterpiece that incorporated this knowledge.

One of the most significant events at Stonehenge is the summer solstice, which typically takes on June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the rising sun aligns with the Heel Stone located outside the main structure of the henge. This alignment marks the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Each year, thousands of people gather at Stonehenge to witness this phenomenon and celebrate the arrival of summer.

On the night before the summer solstice, the gates open to the public at 7pm. This provides a rare opportunity to be among the stones without a private viewing. The festivities commence with a traditional Druid ceremony, followed by continuous drumming throughout the night until 8am when attendees are asked to leave. The atmosphere is incredible and often imbued with a sense of spirituality, and even tribal energy. The sound of the drums will echo in your ears for days. Watching the sun rise through the stones, surrounded by a sea of people, is a breathtaking sight that makes the lack of sleep entirely worthwhile.

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