A visitor center has opened at prehistoric Stonehenge

photo: Peter Cook

Stonehenge (Britain) - A museum documenting the history of the world-famous English prehistoric site Stonehenge, which attracts nearly a million visitors each year, opened today. The adjustment of the site, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, finally gives the monument the dignity it needs, according to the museum's management.
    The £27 million ($884 million) reconstruction saw the removal of portable toilets, a makeshift shop, and a café that were located right next to the prehistoric structure. All services are now available in the museum building. The road along the site that led to an adjacent parking lot has also been eliminated.

photo: Peter Cook

    Visitors are now arriving at the museum, which is located 2.4 kilometers from the megalithic stone columns built by experts between 3000 and 2300 BC. According to Reuters, visitors can walk to the historical site or take carriages pulled by vehicles. The entrance fee for adults has increased from eight pounds to £14.9 (about 490 crowns), according to Reuters.
    Stonehenge traditionally attracts the most people during the June summer and December winter solstices, the latter taking place next Saturday. Thousands of admirers of the mysterious prehistoric monument, proponents of alternative thinking, self-proclaimed wizards and witches, as well as ordinary curious visitors gather here every year on these days.
    The enormous stone circle, whose origin and purpose remain unclear to scientists, stands on a plain near Salisbury about 130 kilometers southwest of London. According to site manager Sara Lunt, there is still much to be discovered, as only just under half of the site has been uncovered.