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Showing posts with the label Dolmens

Walking the Ridgeway: A Journey Through England’s Sacred Landscapes

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There’s something different about walking an old path. Not just old in the way a cobbled village street might be old, but ancient —as in, thousands of years. The Ridgeway, often referred to as England’s oldest road , is one of those places that seems to exist outside of time. Winding for nearly 90 miles through southern England’s chalky spine—from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire—this prehistoric trail feels less like a walk and more like a pilgrimage through history, myth, and spirit . We didn’t expect to feel the pull of the stones. When we set out on the Ridgeway, we thought we were simply looking for a long walk in nature, a break from routine. But what we found instead were whispers of buried civilizations , forgotten rituals , and a strange, humbling awareness of how little we truly understand about the people who walked these hills before us. There are stone circles , long barrows , hillforts , and sacred mounds scattered along the way—some clea...

Visiting Dolmen da Oração in Florianópolis

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Far from the well-known pyramids of Egypt or the stone circles of Britain lies a mysterious complex of ancient stones in Brazil that very few know about. Hidden in the lush hills of Florianópolis, on Morro da Galheta, this sacred site is home to a series of megalithic structures, including the enigmatic Dolmen da Oração and the powerful Central Menhir. These stone monuments were carefully placed by prehistoric indigenous civilizations—long before European colonization—and they continue to challenge our understanding of time, space, and spirituality. In this post, we will explore: The mysterious origin and structure of the Dolmen da Oração The Central Menhir and its symbolic role Alignment with astronomical events Indigenous myths and spiritual beliefs Why this site may be Brazil’s answer to Stonehenge How to visit and experience it for yourself 1. What Is the Dolmen da Oração? The Dolmen da Oração (translated as  "Dolmen of Prayer" ) is a megalithic altar composed of three la...

A Giant's House: Exploring Trethevy Quoit

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In the heart of Cornwall, England, stands a testament to a bygone era: Trethevy Quoit. Known locally as "the giant's house," this impressive megalithic structure is a well-preserved example of a portal dolmen, a type of burial chamber dating back to the Neolithic period (around 3500-2500 BC). Standing at nearly 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall, Trethevy Quoit is formed by five massive upright stones topped with a giant capstone. The structure's name itself offers a clue to its origins. "Trethevy" translates from Cornish to "place of the graves," hinting at its likely purpose as a communal tomb for ancestors. A Look Inside the Giant's House Unlike many dolmens, Trethevy Quoit has a unique feature: a small, moveable stone at the front that once allowed access to the chamber. However, for preservation reasons, this entrance is rarely opened today. Interestingly, the back of the chamber has collapsed inwards, adding to the monument's intrigue. More Tha...

Chun Castle and Chun Quoit: Two ancient Cornish landmarks

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Chun Castle and Chun Quoit are two of the most impressive ancient landmarks in Cornwall, England. Located near the village of Pendeen, they offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Chun Castle is a large Iron Age hillfort, built around 2,500 years ago. It is situated on a prominent hilltop, affording stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The fort is surrounded by two massive stone walls, with the inner wall enclosing an area of around 10 acres. The interior of the fort contains the remains of several roundhouses, which would have been the homes of the people who lived and worked there. Chun Castle is thought to have had a defensive purpose, given its strategic location and the presence of the two stone walls. However, it is also likely that the fort was a center for trade and social activity. The proximity of the fort to the much older Chun Quoit suggests that the two sites may have been connected in some way. Chun Quoit is a Neol...