Spiritual walks and workshops in the megalithic complex of Wéris
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Posted by Feoras 20th July 2011ce |
The marks on the Sautin Polissoir were apparently discovered in 1868. Although there seems to be no account of its original location, it and its neighbour are said to be "exhumed" in 1897, and presumably relocated on at their current site.
The menhir is said to have its top rounded, perhaps to form the shape of an axe. Its dimensions are stated as: height 2.20 m, a base width of 1.75 m and an average thickness of 0.50 m.
In addition, on its face, and turned towards the south-west, is a horizontal groove, 1.20 m long, 0.30 m wide and 0.20 m deep, at the midway of the stone.
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Posted by Chance 9th March 2011ce |
A legend says that the Druids, by running and dancing around this megalith in their sacred ceremonies, caused the stone to come to life. It is said that every night before midnight the stone turns on its base and begins to whoop or cry out. It is also said to do the same thing, but with more energy, on Christmas Eve.
Since being placed together, the other stone, the Sautin Polissoir, is also said to do the same.
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Posted by Chance 9th March 2011ce |
The stone that turns, or the stone that runs as it is sometimes known, was formerly a monolith of several tons. Like so many European megaliths, a legend grew up that treasure, in the form of gold, was buried beneath it. Thus, in 1835, the stone was toppled to find the gold. No record exits of the finds, if any, but the result was a stone broken in two.
It is not clear if this was the original position of the stone, or its neighbour, the Sautin Polissoir, but it was repaired in 1920 by a stone mason of Sautin. In a forerunner to Keiller's work at Avebury, he used a concrete mix.
The menhir's dimensions are recorded as being height of 2.50 m, its width varies between 0.50 m and 1.20 m and the thickness of 0.60 m to 0.80 m. The width at its base is 1.75 m and an average thickness of 0.50 m.
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Posted by Chance 9th March 2011ce |
Two standing stones located at the crossroads of Rance-Sivry and Sautin-Epperson-Wild, on Rue de France, 36 in the town of Sautin.
There seems to be no record of their original location, but they were "exhumed" in 1897.
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Posted by Chance 9th March 2011ce |
Tourist based web site with maps and other information.
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Posted by Chance 9th March 2011ce |
Website showing walking routes around the town
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Posted by Chance 9th March 2011ce |
Created in 1994, the Museum of the megaliths is a site museum.
Their goal is to provide clear information on the Neolithic period and the revolution it represents in the history of mankind. The museum highlights the first agricultural techniques, including the wheel and the plough, along with the discovery of clay for the use of pottery. The exploitation of flint to make tools and weapons is also covered.
The museum also shows elements for the builders of megaliths, dolmens and menhirs. Visitors discover how these monuments were erected and Neolithic funeral customs.
The Megalith Museum presents this data with information panels, models, castings, and reconstructions of archaeological material, particularly focusing on the megaliths of Wéris, and the populations from the Paris Basin.
Guided tours are by reservation, as well as educational activities specific.
At the reception, various publications, postcards and novelty items on the theme of the megaliths are on sale, not to mention the cafeteria where you can taste the beer DOLMENIUS.
Open daily from 10 am to 17.30 pm (closed 1 January, 1 November, 25 December).
Entry fee: 2 € - Groups (min 10 people): 1,50 €
Tour: 25 € (booking at least one week in advance)
Info: Megalith Museum Place Arsene Soreil, 7 B-6940 Wéris (Durbuy)
Tel. 086/21.02.19. - Fax 086/21.00.69.
(Outside Belgium: replace 086 by 32 86).
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Posted by Chance 9th March 2011ce |
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Posted by Chance
9th March 2011ce |
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