Skip to main content

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’.

More about Strata Florida Abbey


Opening times

Daily 10am–4pm*

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

*Open and unstaffed with no admission charge


Facilities

Disabled person access icon Dogs welcome icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon Picnic tables icon Bike storage icon

The grounds are laid to grass.

Picnic tables and benches available, 1 with a wheelchair section.

Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

Smoking is not permitted.

Picnic tables and benches available, 1 with a wheelchair section.

Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.


Directions

Road
Minor roads from Pontrhydfendigaid, reached from B4340
Rail
Aberystwyth 26km/16mls Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth line
Bike
NCN Route No.820 (4km/2mls).

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
Cadw@gov.wales

Address
Strata Florida Abbey
Abbey Rd, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion SY25 6ES

Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.