Cymer Abbey

Visitor Notice

Due to concerns over the further spread of Coronavirus and the well-being of our visitors, we regret to report that all Cadw unstaffed monuments and car parks will be closed from 5pm Monday 23 March until further notice. We do look forward to inviting people to once again enjoy these outstanding monuments as soon as we are able.

Overview

An example of Cistercian influence in medieval Wales

Cistercian monks were more than religious men. Worldly Cistercians were also pioneering sheep farmers and some of the first rural entrepreneurs. Their network of abbeys included Cymer, idyllically set at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary.

Founded in 1198, it was one of their lesser settlements, suffering greatly during the conflicts between Wales and England in the 13th century. Nonetheless, substantial remains survive from this simple abbey church.