Portmeirion, Mediterranean-style village in Gwynedd, Wales.
Portmeirion is a settlement on the shore of the Dwyryd estuary in Gwynedd, Wales, composed of around 60 pastel-colored buildings. The structures stand on several terraces arranged around a central square with a bell tower, fountain and colonnade.
Clough Williams-Ellis began constructing the settlement in 1925 and completed it after 50 years, reusing parts from demolished houses and castles across Britain. The site was built on the grounds of a decaying manor house.
Residents and visitors attend Festival Week, an annual event with talks, music and exhibitions held here for decades. The settlement also serves as a venue for weddings and artist gatherings, blending European elements with Welsh traditions.
The settlement opens daily at 9:30 in the morning and closes at 5:30 in the afternoon, with overnight stays offered in two hotels and 13 holiday cottages. Visitors can explore the paved paths and gardens without special equipment, though sturdy footwear is recommended as some sections involve steep slopes.
Filming of the television series The Prisoner in the 1960s draws fans to special gatherings each year, where scenes are reenacted and costumes are worn. A monument to lead actor Patrick McGoohan now stands in the central square of the site.
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