Old Church of St Nidan, Llanidan

The Old Church of St Nidan is a medieval building featuring a central arcade with six arches that divide two naves, built from local rubble stone and faced with sandstone blocks. Major portions of the structure were demolished in the 1840s, leaving the remaining sections as evidence of its original scale.

Religious activity at this location began in the 7th century, with the current building's oldest sections dating to the 14th century. This long occupation shows how important the site remained as a place of worship over centuries.

The church bears the name of Saint Nidan, a figure from early Christianity whose supposed remains were found in a sandstone container beneath the altar during excavation. Visitors can still sense the connection to this local saint when exploring the building's interior.

The site sits roughly 22 meters above sea level near the Menai Strait and can be explored from the outside and interior. Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain is uneven and parts of the structure remain unstable.

Local legend tells of a mysterious stone at the church that supposedly returned to its original location no matter how far someone carried it away. This tale was recorded by the medieval writer Gerald of Wales and adds to the site's folkloric reputation.

Location: Llanidan

Inception: 14 century

Architectural style: medieval architecture

Elevation above the sea: 22.1 m

GPS coordinates: 53.17790,-4.25347

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40