Why summer solstice is one of the best times to see Stonehenge
Published 7 Jun 2019, 12:57 BST
Ascetic monks withdrew from their monasteries sometime between the sixth and eighth centuries to pursue a greater union with God on these inaccessible sea crags rising from the Atlantic Ocean, about seven miles off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland. Although the monks moved back to the mainland in the 13th century, the island continues to lure pilgrims for centuries. This site is surrounded by one of Ireland’s most important sites for breeding seabirds.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxThe Callanish Stones, near the village of Callanish on the Scottish Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, provided the focal point for Bronze Age rituals. A circle of 13 stones surround a seven-ton monolith in the centre; a chambered tomb stands against the backdrop of Loch Roag and the rolling hills of Great Bernera.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxSecond only to Mount Athos in significance for Orthodox Christians, Meteora was established by monks in the 11th century on almost inaccessible sandstone columns in central Greece. Only six of the original 24 monasteries remain, along with the fourth-century Byzantine Church of Virgin Mary, one of the oldest in Greece.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxRising dramatically from the sea and towering over sand polished by receding tides, the site of Mont-Saint-Michel includes the Norman Benedictine Abbey of Saint Michel on the peak of a rocky island in Normandy, France. The dramatic vistas and twisting streets of the medieval town, a four-hour drive from Paris, make this UNESCO World Heritage site one of the most-visited in France.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxStonehenge is the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world. The precise, concentric plan utilizes two types of stones–the largest weighing more than 40 tons–that were transported 150 miles to create a megalithic masterpiece. Visitors should book the timed tickets in advance.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxThis ancient abbey built in the 10th century on top of Mount Pichiriano offers sweeping views of Turin and the Val di Susa in the Piedmont region of Italy. The main Church of the Sacra, which dates to the 12th century, is the final resting place for members of the House of Savoy, one of the oldest royal families in the world.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxThe origins of this megalithic monument in Sweden remain a mystery. Established around 1,400 years ago during the early Iron Age, the monument of 59 massive boulders lines Österlen’s rolling hills and the Baltic Sea.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxPerched on a limestone cliff in the French Pyrenees, the vantage point of the Peyrepertuse Castle allowed Cathars to control the mountain passes and to send communication signals further south to the Château de Quéribus. The 13th-century site hosts a contemporary art and music festival each summer.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxStonehenge may be England's most famous, but Avebury–just 40 minutes away–holds the title of the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. Dating to the Neolithic period, the henge includes 180 locally sourced, standing stones that form a large outer ring and two smaller inner circles enclosing part of charming Avebury village.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxAn important center of Orthodox Christianity since the 10th century, Mount Athos holds a network of 20 monasteries where around 2,000 monks dedicate their lives to prayer. Each day, only a limited number of men—a hundred Orthodox and 10 non-Orthodox—are permitted to enter this autonomous polity in northeastern Greece. This UNESCO World Heritage site that protects rare historic texts, holy relics, frescoes, and mosaics.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxThe small uninhabited island of Gavrinis, in the Gulf of Morbihan, holds Brittany’s most impressive Neolithic site–a pyramid-shaped stone burial chamber with interior walls covered in mesmerizing artwork. A guide is required to tour the island, which is accessible only by boat from Larmor-Baden, France.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxOn the coast of Brittany, the commune of Carnac includes more than 3,000 standing stones from the Neolithic period. The highest concentration holds more than 2,800 stones in lines stretching as far as the eye can see. These stones form the largest megalithic site in the world.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxEstablished in the 16th century, Agia Anna is the oldest and largest skete, or cloister, on Mount Athos, with 50 cells and huts occupied by about 85 monks. Male pilgrims can visit or stay for prayer and meditation with advance arrangement.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxThe most prominent of the many island church settlements dotting Lough Erne–two connected lakes in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland–Devenish was founded in the sixth century. In the ninth century, Vikings raided the site, which burned in the 12th century before flourishing during the Middle Ages as a parish church and priory. After a short boat trip, visitors can explore the ruined Augustinian abbey with intricately carved sculptures, and then climb the hundred-foot-tall round tower for panoramic views.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxThis isolated castle in the south of France is known as the last stronghold of the Cathars–the heretical Christian sect that flourished during the 12th and 13th centuries in western Europe. Visitors can drive almost to the top of this peak in the Pyrenees, then continue on a short 10-minute walk to the castle entrance.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxLike the English version of Mont-Saint-Michel, this castle on a tidal island off Cornwall was given to the Benedictine religious order of Mont-Saint-Michel in the 11th century; the earliest buildings date to the 12th century. During low tide, visitors can cross the cobblestone causeway stretching from the mainland, then hop a motorboat back during high tide from the ancient harbour.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxMeaning “holed stone” in Cornish, Men-An-Tol in Cornwall consists of four stones, the most remarkable being the circular and pierced upright stone. Like a donut from the Bronze Age, the hole is more than four feet in diameter; theories relate the design to lunar mapping.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxAlone on Mount Ardu, this castle dates to 958 and overlooks the nearby village of Lapradelle-Puilaurens and surrounding ancient pine forests. Château de Puilaurens is one of the best preserved royal Cathar fortresses; it played a major role in defending the former frontier between France and the kingdom of Aragon. Enthusiastic hikers can make the 2,132-foot ascent to appreciate the natural defence of this mountain stronghold.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxThe most popular megalithic site in Wales, Pentre Ifan is a remarkable burial chamber with a massive capstone delicately poised on three upright stones, dating roughly to 3500 BC.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxThe Spanish town of Valencia de Alcántara, only a few miles from Portugal, contains traces of human populations that date back to prehistoric times, including the largest collection of dolmens on the Iberian Peninsula. The grouping of megalithic funerary monuments consists of 41 dolmens in granite and slate.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxOnce tall enough for a horse and rider to pass beneath, Lanyon Quoit is Cornwall’s most recognizable and prominent megalithic site. The immense capstone, weighing more than 13 tons, originally sat on four upright stones until a thunderstorm toppled it in 1815. The site was resurrected nine years later with money raised by locals; it remains standing today.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, ReduxAlong the GR 34 hiking trail that snakes the coast of Brittany, France, a Christianised menhir, or an upright stone, dedicated to Saint Uzec stands next to a chapel of the same name. The 17th-century Neolithic block weighs 60 tons and depicts carved images of the Passion of Christ. Its original function remains unknown.
Photograph by Hartmut Krinitz, Laif, Redux