Ancient Stonehenge gets modern-day revamp

A general view shows the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, a world heritage site, near Amesbury in south west England on December 11, 2013. The mysterious circle of standing stones set within earthworks, on Salisbury Plain in southwest England, is one of the most iconic ancient sites in Europe. Stonehenge’s new visitor centre opens on December 18 in time for the winter solstice, hoping to provide an improved experience for the million tourists that flock annually to Britain’s most famous prehistoric monument. AFP/LEON NEAL

STONEHENGE, England — It has been standing for thousands of years, so Britain’s ancient Stonehenge monument was due a makeover.

 

New visitor facilities and landscaping previewed Tuesday are designed to “restore the dignity” of the mysterious stone circle, and transform the way more than 1 million visitors a year see it.

 

The 27 million pound ($44 million) renovation includes a new building 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the stones where visitors can watch an exhibition about Neolithic life.

 

They can then walk to Stonehenge down an ancient processional walkway, or take a shuttle bus.

 

The new facilities open to the public Wednesday.

 

Simon Thurley, who heads governing body English Heritage, said visitors would be able to see the stones “free from the clutter and rubbish” that have been built up around them.

 

 

 

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