Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Winefride

Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Winefride is a Roman Catholic church in Amlwch, Wales, distinguished by its unusual concrete structure. The building features six parabolic ribbed arches on the exterior that resemble an upturned vessel, with porthole windows placed throughout the facade.

Construction of the building began in 1932 under Italian engineer Giuseppe Rinvolucri and opened for worship in 1937. It later received Grade II listed status in recognition of its architectural importance and significance to the area.

The building blends religious architecture with symbols of the sea, reflecting the community's maritime connection. The star-shaped windows with blue mosaic and the carved crucifix from a former convent reinforce this blend of faith and seafaring tradition.

The church is located on Bull Bay Road and welcomes visitors following restoration work completed in 2011. It continues to hold regular worship services, so checking ahead about times is recommended before planning your visit.

The building was constructed entirely from reinforced concrete, making it an innovative and unusual choice for the 1930s. Three narrow glazed panels run along the exterior ribs and create distinctive light patterns inside the church throughout the day.

Location: Amlwch Community

Architects: Giuseppe Rinvolucri

Elevation above the sea: 35.6 m

GPS coordinates: 53.41150,-4.35144

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:55