St Piran's Round

St Piran's Round is a circular earthwork in Perranzabuloe with raised ramparts and a surrounding ditch that forms a natural amphitheater. The interior is flat and open, designed to accommodate gathering and performances.

This site began as a fortified settlement during the Iron Age, but was later transformed into a performance venue during medieval times. The shift from defensive structure to cultural gathering place shows how the site adapted over centuries.

The name comes from Saint Piran, Cornwall's patron saint, and this place once served as a hub for religious performances and storytelling. The circular design allowed people to gather and watch plays performed in their own language during the Middle Ages.

This site is easy to reach and located near a minor road with parking available close by. It remains accessible year-round and free to visit, allowing you to walk around the ramparts and explore the interior.

This is one of the best-preserved examples of a plen-an-gwary, a traditional form of Cornish theater, with only a handful of complete examples surviving today. The circular design allows visitors to take in the entire space at a glance.

Location: Perranzabuloe

GPS coordinates: 50.34820,-5.12332

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:04