Glastonbury [Avalon] with its Abbey (Somerset)

Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury is a small town of just under 9,000 inhabitants in Somerset in southern England. The main attraction for thousands of visitors every year are the ruins of the Benedictine Abbey, which was founded in the 7th century AD and closed in 1539. The buildings were largely destroyed over the next few centuries, so that the Abbey today is almost entirely ruins.

However, Glastonbury is also a stronghold of the alternative scene, especially esotericisms. The legends and myths which surround the nearby hill „Glastonbury Tor“ make the town claim to be the fabled Avalon. The „Glastonbury Festival„, which is held annually on a nearby farm, is also considered to be the “Woodstock” of England.

The town has been closely associated with the legend of King Arthur since the 12th century, and Glastonbury is said to be the legendary Avalon.

Further Information on the town and abbey: Glastonbury TIC website and website for Glastonbury Abbey.

Also in Glastonbury – to be precise: on a field in Pilton near Glastonbury – the „Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts“ has been taking place since 1970, one of the largest open-air music festivals in the world.

Glastonbury

Glastonbury

Glastonbury Tor in the background and the ruins of the Abbey in the foreground

Model of Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey

Video of Glastonbury by Rick Steve: