Strata Florida Abbey
Overview
Grand medieval abbey where generations of Welsh princes are buried
The abbey of Strata Florida – Latin for ‘Vale of Flowers’ – has stood on lush meadows beside the banks of the river Teifi since 1201.
It was established by white-robed Cistercian monks as part of a movement that spread like a tidal wave across the whole of western Europe in the early Middle Ages. Soon it became the most famous church in Wales after St Davids – a place of pilgrimage and a linchpin of Welsh culture.
There are unmistakable echoes of greatness among the ruins. The carved west doorway into the abbey offers an epic view down the nave to where the high altar once stood.
You can still see some of the incredible decorated tiles that would have covered the floors of the church. Griffins, birds and fleurs-de-lis surround the enigmatic ‘Man with the Mirror’. This 14th-century figure dressed in a doublet and close-fitting hood is reckoned to be a symbol of vanity.
Strata Florida, or Ystrad Fflur as local people know it, is the final resting place for generations of medieval Welsh princes. The great poet Dafydd ap Gwilym is said to be buried under a yew in the churchyard. No wonder it’s been called ‘the Westminster Abbey of Wales’.
Strata Florida Abbey Guidebook
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10% off for Cadw members!
Opening times
Daily 10am–5pm*
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
*Open and unstaffed — site facilities including our visitor centre and toilets are closed during this time.
Daily 10am–4pm*
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
*Open and unstaffed — site facilities including our visitor centre and toilets are closed during the winter period.
Prices
Facilities
The grounds are laid to grass.
Arrangements can be made with the custodian for wheelchair users to enter the site through the exit gate, giving access to a firm, level path to the abbey ruins.
Picnic tables and benches available, 1 with a wheelchair section.
Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
On-site exhibition within monument.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
Picnic tables and benches available, 1 with a wheelchair section.
A portable induction loop is available.
Light refreshments are available.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Directions
Postcode SY25 6ES.
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 03000 252239
Email
StrataFloridaAbbey@gov.wales
Abbey Rd, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion SY25 6ES
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01974 831261
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
