Pentre Ifan, Wales

One of the most fascinating things about traveling in the British Isles is its many historic sites, such as Pentre Ifan.  This is the most popular megalithic site in Wales.  The monument dates to about 3500 BC and is oriented north-south on a ridge providing wonderful views of the Nevern Valley.  It has a massive capstone (16 tons; 5m long), resting on the tips of three other stones, some 2.5 meters above the ground.  There are six upright stones, three of which support the capstone.

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It is likely that an earthen mound lay behind these rocks, which people could enter and which over the centuries has largely eroded away.  Excavations in 20th century showed that a burial chamber originally lay within a shallow oval pit that was up to 36m long.

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Local legend has it that fairies may be seen here.  I didn’t spot any but would like to think that if fairies do exist, this is where they would live!

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