On the day of the summer solstice (the longest day of the year), the sun rises over the Heel Stone, which stands just outside the stone circle, and its first rays shine directly into the center of the monument.
On the day of the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year), which usually takes place on or around December 22, the sun sets over the Heel Stone.
It is because of this phenomenon that many believe that Stonehenge was built to work as a calendar, tracking the seasons with the sun’s movements.
The summer and the winter solstices at Stonehenge attract thousands of people, including druids and other spiritual celebrants.