Photo: Gareth James / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
About this place
Strata Florida Abbey stands in ruins near Pontrhydfendigaid in Ceredigion, its walls reduced to low stone footings and one striking Romanesque doorway.
Founded in 1164, it was one of the great Cistercian houses of medieval Wales.
Cadw looks after the site today, and the doorway arch remains the most photographed survival on the site.
The abbey sits in open, quiet countryside, well away from the usual tourist routes.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The abbey was founded in 1164 for Cistercian monks. Patronage passed to the princely Dinefwr family of Deheubarth after Norman influence took hold around St Davids. Members of that dynasty were buried at Strata Florida, making it a burial place of real political weight in medieval Wales rather than just a monastic house.
Architecture
What survives shows the plain, functional Gothic style typical of Cistercian building, with the carved west doorway the best-preserved architectural feature on site.
Worth knowing
The medieval Welsh poet Dafydd ap Gwilym is traditionally said to be buried in the abbey grounds, beneath a yew tree still pointed out to visitors.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Devils Bridge (Vale of Rheidol Railway) (7 miles)
Nearby properties
Dolaucothi Gold Mines
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View Llanerchaeron on heritage mapDyfi Furnace
View Dyfi Furnace on heritage mapRuin of Talley Abbey
View Ruin of Talley Abbey on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 20 miles of Strata Florida Abbey ruins there are 4 historic properties, including 1 historic building, 1 archaeological site and 1 Industrial, across National Trust and Cadw sites.
Facts
A ruined Cistercian abbey where medieval Welsh princes and, tradition says, its greatest poet were laid to rest.
- Type
- abbey
- Location
- Ceredigion, Wales
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