The Sanctuary, Avebury

The Sanctuary, Avebury

Highlight • Historical Site

The Sanctuary, Avebury

Hiking

4.5

(29)

Cycling

4.7

(15)

Mountain biking

5.0

(1)

Road cycling

5.0

(1)

This Highlight is in a protected area

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North Wessex Downs National Landscape

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Location: West Overton, South West England, England, United Kingdom

Tips

April 24, 2020

Cycling

Begun in about 3000 BC, the Sanctuary was originally a complex circular arrangement of timber posts, which were later replaced by stones. These components are now indicated by concrete slabs.

Its function remains a mystery: possibly it enshrined the dwelling place of some revered person, and certainly, huge numbers of human bones were found here, accompanied by food remains to suggest elaborate death rites and ceremonies. Later, West Kennet Avenue was constructed to connect it with newly-built Avebury, reinforcing the status of this enigmatic but clearly very important site.

Mareike

October 7, 2020

Hiking

Begun in about 3000 BC, the Sanctuary was originally a complex circular arrangement of timber posts, which were later replaced by stones. These components are now indicated by concrete slabs.

Its function remains a mystery: possibly it enshrined the dwelling place of some revered person, and certainly huge numbers of human bones were found here, accompanied by food remains suggesting elaborate death rites and ceremonies. Later, West Kennet Avenue was constructed to connect it with newly-built Avebury, reinforcing the status of this enigmatic but clearly very important site.