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.

An on-site visitor centre hosts a small exhibition on Strata Florida's history. It can also supply details of three heritage trails exploring nearby woodland, the Abbey's former horse farm and Tregaron Bog.

Strata Florida is just outside the village of Pontrhydfendigaid. An admission fee is charged from May to October, when the visitor centre and shop are shop. Toilets and car park available.

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