Strata Florida Abbey ruins

Strata Florida Abbey ruins is a Grade I listed abbey in Ceredigion, cared for by Cadw. Read about its history and architecture, plus how to visit and what's nearby.

About Strata Florida Abbey ruins

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.

History of Strata Florida Abbey ruins

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 of Strata Florida Abbey ruins

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

Parking Toilets Cycle parking

Plan your visit to Strata Florida Abbey ruins

Prices & opening times Official site Google Maps Waze

Nearest station: Devils Bridge (Vale of Rheidol Railway) (7 miles)

Places to visit near Strata Florida Abbey ruins

Dolaucothi Gold Mines

archaeological site 17 miles

Visit Dolaucothi Gold Mines View Dolaucothi Gold Mines on heritage map

Llanerchaeron

historic building 17 miles

View Llanerchaeron on heritage map

Llanerchaeron Museum

museum 17 miles

View Llanerchaeron Museum on heritage map

Dyfi Furnace

Industrial 19 miles

View Dyfi Furnace on heritage map

Ruin of Talley Abbey

abbey 22 miles

View Ruin of Talley Abbey on heritage map

Historic 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.

3 National Trust

1 Cadw

1 Historic building

1 Archaeological site

1 Industrial

1 Museum

See these 4 sites on the heritage map