St Davids Cathedral
This wonderful cathedral, named after the Patron Saint of Wales has been the centre of Christianity in the country for centuries.
St David first established a church in the area in the 6th Century but the Cathedral there today was built in the 12th Century set within a secluded inland valley to protect it from the sight of Irish pirates and Viking raiders. But it was not to deter pilgrims; two pilgrimages to St David’s were to match one to Rome as was deemed in 1124.
This unique setting makes for an all the more enchanting sight as the cathedral appears before you as you walk down from the town into the valley via the Tower Gate. The Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace seemingly take up the whole valley, while the central tower of the Cathedral stands lordly purveying the scene.
The development of the cathedral has been virtually continuous until the 16th Century and more recently was restored in the 19th and 20th Centuries. The cathedral’s architecture shows both Celtic and Norman influences, the nave is lined with fabulous rounded arches, a the wood beamed roof and richly carved choir, while dotted around can be seen Celtic symbols of worship such as the Green Man.
St David’s Cathedral is a practicing place of worship and holds services in the Welsh language as well as English and regular choral evening song.
