Valle Crucis Abbey
Overview
Majestic medieval abbey was legendary for its lavish feasts
Valle Crucis was truly Welsh from the moment it was founded in 1201 by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd and the ‘white monks’ of the Cistercian order.
Its Latin name (Valley of the Cross) refers to the nearby ninth-century Pillar of Eliseg, erected for the glory of a Welsh chieftain. Monks had names like Tudur and Hywel.
Such home-grown sympathies might well explain the damage suffered during the wars of the English king Edward I and the uprising of Owain Glyndŵr. But it remains one of our best-preserved and most atmospheric medieval abbeys.
Valle Crucis began in austerity but was later celebrated by poets for its lavish hospitality – meals served in silver vessels and ale ‘flowing like a river’. In Wales only Tintern Abbey was richer when it was dissolved by royal decree in 1537.
You’ll believe it when you first glimpse the majestic west front of the abbey church. Elsewhere among the romantic ruins painted by Turner are the rib-vaulted chapter house and the only surviving monastic fishpond in Wales.
Valle Crucis Abbey guidebook
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Opening times
Daily 10am–4pm*
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
*Open and unstaffed with no admission charge
Facilities
There is space for 6 cars to be parked close to the entrance with one dedicated disabled space (approx. 50 metres).
The ruins are laid mostly to grass. Firm, level paths within the grounds
Wheelchair access is available.
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
On-site exhibition within monument.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
Smoking is not permitted.
Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, go to 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.
A video presentation is available at this site.
Directions
Postcode LL20 8DD.
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 03000 252239
Email
Cadw@gov.wales
Valle Crucis Abbey, Llantysilio, Llangollen LL20 8DD
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01978 860326
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
