Strata Florida Abbey, Medieval Cistercian abbey in Ystrad Fflur, Wales.
Description
Strata Florida Abbey is a limestone Cistercian monastery in Wales whose remains feature a west entrance doorway that leads toward where the high altar once stood in the nave. The surviving structures allow visitors to understand the layout and scale of the original complex.
History
The abbey was founded in 1164 by Rhys ap Gruffydd and became a major religious center in Wales. It was closed during the 1540s dissolution of monasteries, bringing its time as an active monastic community to an end.
Culture
The floor tiles scattered across the grounds display ornamental designs featuring griffins, birds, and a notable figure of a man holding a mirror from the 14th century. These decorated pieces reflect the skill and resources that the monastic community once possessed.
Practical
Access to the site is straightforward, with designated areas for bicycles and accommodation for people with limited mobility. Comfortable shoes are recommended as the ground is uneven, and a visit can take anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours depending on how much detail you want to explore.
Did you know?
Several Welsh princes are buried within the grounds and local tradition holds that the poet Dafydd ap Gwilym rests beneath an old yew tree. This connection to Welsh nobility and literature gives the place a special resonance for those interested in the region's heritage.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Ystrad Fflur).
Llan Ddu Fawr
5.9 km
St John The Baptist's New Church, Ysbyty Ystwyth
6 km
Llyn Teifi
4.1 km
Llyn Egnant
4.8 km
Castell Rhyfel
6 km
Pen y Bannau
1.3 km
Caemadog quarry
1.1 km
Old church of St John the Baptist
5.9 km
Pen-y-Bannau
1.2 km
Church of St Mary
41 m
Church of Saint John
4.7 km
Rhydfendigaid Chapel
1.9 km
Garn Gron, Ystrad Fflur
4.7 km
Pontrhydfendigaid War Memorial
1.8 km
Pont Rhydfendigaid
1.8 km
Cwmmoiro Calvinistic Methodist Schoolroom
2.4 km
Pont Rhydygroes
7.1 km
Hendre quarry
4.7 km
Blaencaron Chapel
6 km
Bwlch Rhyd y Meirch quarry
4.4 km
Treflyn Calvinistic Methodist Schoolroom
6 km
The Old Post Office
6.7 km
St David's Church, Pontrhydfendigaid
1.8 km
Esgair Mwyn Mine Shafts And Linear Banks
3.2 km
Esgair Mwyn, Reservoir And Linear Features
3.4 km
Ystwyth Villa
7.1 km
Telephone Call-box outside The Old Post Office
6.7 km
Gwynfryn and Isfryn
6.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes