Strata Florida Abbey

The abbey was founded in early part of the 13th century by the Cistercian monks, and was one of the grandest in Wales at its height. It was seen as a centre of education and political activity. The abbey was destroyed during the reformation.

According to legend the Holy Grail was brought to Strata Florida by monks from Glastonbury. This was then given to the Stedman family on the dissolution of the monasteries and then to Nanteos through marriage to the Powell family. The cup, an ancient olive wood bowl, was held at Nanteos Mansion until the property was sold in the 1950’s.

The abbey is said to be haunted by the ghost of a monk, who appears on Christmas Eve in the area where the altar would have been. It is also said that candles have been seen alight inside the abbey.

An ancient yew within the churchyard that stands opposite the abbey, is said to be the grave of the medieval bard Dafydd ap Gwilym. He is famed as the greatest poet in the Welsh language.

Directions: On a minor road from Pontrhydfendigaid off the B4343