Strata Florida Abbey
Located in a tranquil and picturesque valley, Strata Florida Abbey is one of Wales' most significant ancient sites. The name 'Strata Florida' means Vale of Flowers.
This Welsh Cistercian abbey was completed in the 1270s, having taken 90 years to build. Sadly, the building was soon damaged by lightning, and later on by war. Today little remains of the structure, but the huge west doorway and some mighty stone pillars give an impression of how stunning this building must once have been. At the far end of the site there are also some original decorated tiles from the Abbey which, remarkably, have remained to this day. What Strata Florida lacks in substance, it more than makes up for in history and atmosphere.
Strata Florida is 14 miles from Aberystwyth, just outside the village of Pontrhydfendigaid, on the B4343 road. Buses run to nearby Pontrhydfendigaid from Aberystwyth. An admission fee is charged from May to October. Toilets and car park available.
More information available by calling 01974 831261 or see either the CADW web site or The Heritage Trail.
See where Strata Florida is on the map
This page updated 19-Mar-2006