Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England, about 2 miles (3 km) west of Amesbury and 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury. It is one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites in the world, dating back to the Neolithic period and believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC.
The monument consists of a ring of standing stones, each weighing around 25 tons and standing up to 13 feet (4 meters) high, set within earthworks in the middle of a dense complex of burial mounds, barrows, and other ceremonial sites. The largest stones at Stonehenge, known as sarsens, were likely transported over 20 miles (30 km) from their quarries in the Marlborough Downs, while the smaller bluestones were sourced from Wales, around 150 miles (240 km) away.
The purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, although it is widely believed to have had astronomical and religious significance. Some theories suggest that it was used as a temple, a burial ground, or a place for healing, while others propose that it was an ancient observatory or a site for ritualistic dancing and feasting.
Stonehenge has attracted visitors and intrigued archaeologists and historians for centuries, and continues to be a popular tourist destination and subject of ongoing research and debate. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.