An
enigmatic hill rises out of the mist over the flat moors of
southwestern England. Though worn by use, a terraced pathway, believed
to be at least four millennia old, winds around and up the hill - a
labyrinth. At the pinnacle stands a tower, the remnant of a medieval
church long since destroyed, but now a symbol of the locale's enduring
spiritual power. Nestled at the hill's base is the Chalice Well, where
you can drink of its legendary healing waters. The hill is Glastonbury
Tor, overlooking the market town of Glastonbury. You are here to explore
Glastonbury's rich and varied spiritual history.
Glastonbury has been a place of spirituality and pilgrimage for at least several thousand years. Long-established as a Druid center of learning and sanctity, the town became host to the first Christian church in the west, built on the site that later housed the Glastonbury Abbey.
The
abbey grew in prominence as a center of learning and spirituality in its
own right, and was a significant medieval pilgrimage destination.
Glastonbury is now visited by pilgrims of myriad beliefs interested in
its treasure trove of mystical sites. Once a small cluster of islands
rising above the submerged Somerset Levels, Glastonbury plays host to
the myths of Avalon - the sacred Druid island spiritual center later
tied to Arthurian legend. The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey provide modern
pilgrims a peaceful atmosphere for meditation. Walking the labyrinthine
path up the Tor is not only a spiritual journey, but also allows
ever-widening views of the green countryside. The gardens at the Tor's
base provide an idyllic spot for thoughtful contemplation after drinking
from the restorative waters of the Chalice Well.
Because of its contemporary renaissance as a pilgrimage destination,
Glastonbury has evolved to meet the needs and interests of its visitors.
After visiting the town's mystical locations, you can browse the myth
and spirituality book shops or relax with a cup of tea at one of the
local cafes.