This is a beautiful old building situated in the very centre of Cardiff, and serving as a…read moredistinctive landmark. St John the Baptist Church is over 800 years old and has watched the rest of Cardiff grow up around it. Yet, it manages to remain just as impressive as ever. This church is a lovely place to visit and is staffed my very welcoming volunteers. There is a small tearoom also situated in the building, and it's a great idea to combine tea and cakes with a little bit of architectural appreciation. My favourite time to visit St John is Christmas. Around this time they extend their visiting hours and the church itself is filled with charity Christmas cards, wrapping paper and decorations to sell. For me, this is an essential part of Christmas that cannot be missed.

Wonderful structure.. Is s landmark for the cardiff market…read more. I went inside..very nice.. Well worth a few minutes of your time to explore it..

Tucked away in the suburbs of western Cardiff is the ancient cathedral seat of Llandaff. Easily…read moreoverlooked, it's a charming, quiet spot, with a village-like feel and, unlike many cathedral towns, is not over-run by tourists. The cathedral itself is smaller and more intimate than many of its English equivalents. Until the late 19th century a small town in its own right, Llandaff is one of the oldest Christian sites in the UK, with a colony founded by St Dyfrig in the 6th Century. His leadership was followed by St Teilo and St Euddogwy (great names, these Welsh saints..) and these three now form part of the Cathedral's dedication, along with St Peter and St Paul. The present building was begun in 1107 after the Norman conquest, to replace the earlier church, of which only a stone cross survives. The Norman church was itself rebuilt in the early 13th century, and the bulk of the fabric dates from this period: the Nave and West Front were completed by 1220. The Lady Chapel was added in 1287 and the outer aisle walls rebuilt, and the square Jasper Tower completed in 1485. After the reformation, the church fell into ruin as the income from pilgrims to the shrine of St Teilo dried up. After a partial (and rather unsympathetic) restoration in the 18th century, a more complete restoration in the 19th century delivered much of what can be seen to-day, as well as its pre-Raphaelite furnishings, most notably a triptych by D G Rossetti and a ceramic reredos by Burne-Jones. Unfortunately, the cathedral was brought to almost complete ruin again in January 1941, when it received a direct hit during a bombing raid. The subsequent rebuilding largely restored the earlier fabric, but with one spectacular addition: a new organ case built on a concrete arch in the centre of the nave, surmounted with a huge aluminium statue of 'Christ in Majesty' by Sir Jacob Epstein. Love it or hate it (and I think I'm in the latter camp), it now defines the interior cathedral space, and it certainly unique and dramatic. And the effect when it is played is equally astonishing - like many cathedrals, Llandaff is best experienced with music, and there is an active programme both of sung services and concerts - see web-site for details. Although there is a small shop, there are no catering facilities, but there are a few cafes in the surrounding streets: why not treat yourself to a traditional Welsh tea after a visit?

I can't quite believe I'm reviewing a cathedral, but this building is truly stunning (as a child I…read moreactually believed it to be a fairy castle)! The moment you set eyes on Llandaff Cathedral you know it's something special, and what's particularly lovely about this Cathedral is its many different visual perspectives. Be it through the trees, over the river, or standing at the entrance with it looming over you, this building never fails to impress. Once inside you are immediately confronted with a gigantic statue of Christ by the sculptor Epstein, which hangs in the center. Whilst this statue has divided opinion amongst critics and visitors alike, you cannot truly claim that you've ever seen anything like it before. Such is the fame of Llandaff Cathedral that the Magic of Wales shop in Disney's Epcot actually sells postcards of this famous Llandaff site (you learn something new everyday). You don't however have to venture over to Florida if you're after a postcard, the cathedral does have a small shop which in addition to postcards, sells things such as hymn books, and information guides concerning Llandaff Cathedral. No matter what your religious beliefs, if you're visiting Cardiff this is one site which is definitely worth a visit.

This church, right next to Cardiff's covered market, is the oldest remaining medieval building in…read morethe city after Cardiff Castle, dating back to around 1180. In the middle of the 15th Century the church was renovated (after the eleventh century building was destroyed by the troops of Owain Glyndwr!) and was given a prominent perpendicular tower with a peal of ten bells. If you're browsing around the city centre, and passing Cardiff Market, it's well worth taking in the architectural and historical features of the church even if you don't have a religious bone in your body - and perhaps even taking a peek inside. You can go indoors from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 2.30pm. There's a tea room in the church Vestry, too, open every week day - serving reasonably priced home made cakes and sandwiches, which you can eat out in the pleasant church grounds on a sunny day.

Tucked away in the suburbs of western Cardiff is the ancient cathedral seat of Llandaff. Easily…read moreoverlooked, it's a charming, quiet spot, with a village-like feel, and unlike many cathedral towns, is not over-run by tourists. The cathedral itself is smaller and more intimate than many of its English equivalents. Until the late 19th century a small town in its own right, Llandaff is one of the oldest Christian sites in the UK, with a colony founded by St Dyfrig in the 6th Century. His leadership was followed by St Teilo and St Euddogwy (great names, these Welsh saints..) and these three now form part of the Cathedral's dedication, along with St Peter and St Paul. The present building was begun in 1107 after the Norman conquest, to replace the earlier church, only a stone cross of which survives. The bulk of the fabric dates from this period: the Nave and West Front were completed by 1220. The Lady Chapel was added in 1287 and the outer aisle walls rebuilt, and the square Jasper Tower completed in 1485. After the reformation, the church fell into ruin as the income from pilgrims to the shrine of St Teilo dried up. After a partial (and rather unsympathetic) restoration in the 18th century, a more complete restoration in the 19th century delivered much of what can be seen to-day, with pre-Raphaelite furnishings added, most notably a triptych by D G Rossetti and a ceramic reredos by Burne-Jones. Unfortunately, the cathedral was brought to almost complete ruin again in January 1941, when it received a direct hit during a bombing raid. The subsequent rebuilding largely restored the earlier fabric, but with one spectacular addition: a new organ case built on a concrete arch in the centre of the nave, surmounted with a huge aluminium statue of 'Christ in Majesty' by Sir Jacob Epstein. Love it or hate it (and I think I'm in the latter camp), it now defines the interior cathedral space, and it certainly unique and dramatic. And the effect when it is played is equally astonishing - like many cathedrals, Llandaff is best experienced with music, and there is an active programme both of sung services and concerts - see web-site for details. Although there is a small shop, there are no catering facilities, but there are a few cafes in the surrounding streets: why not treat yourself to a traditional Welsh tea after a visit?

Llandaff - Cardiff's own village within a city. The Cathedral is your starting point for a pleasant…read morehalf-day's visit to a little corner of the city with a personality all of its own. The present cathedral dates from 1107 when the arch behind the High Altar was built. A new West front built about 1220 is judged by many to be one of the two or three most notable mediaeval works of art in Wales. Later in the 13th century the Chapter House and the Lady Chapel were added. Following the time of Henry VIII, the cathedral fell into near ruin, but from 1734 restoration began in the popular style of the day. The South West tower and spire, completed in 1869, replaced the early-12th century tower which collapsed in 1722. A great deal of the 19th century work inside the Cathedral perished when the building was heavily damaged and the roof destroyed in the 1939-45 War. A modern addition is Jacob Epstein's aluminium statue of Christ in Majesty which stands between the Nave and the Choir. The tattered, war-torn flags in the Welch Regiment Memorial Chapel will bring a lump to your throat. The Cathedral can be reached on foot by a very pleasant walk of a mile or so from the city centre of Cardiff, via the continuous parklands beginning in Cardiff Castle grounds, through Pontcanna, and up to Llandaff Fields.

Tucked away almost literally - among the rolling hills of the Vale of Glamorgan is the small Welsh…read moretown of Llantwit Major (Llanilltud Fawr). Although to-day it has a sprawl of dull suburbs, serving commuters to Cardiff, the centre of the old town, with its rambling narrow lanes of stone cottages, is a delight. There's a 15th century town hall, some fine 16th century inns (I recommend the Old Swan for well-kept real ale), and at its centre, the church of St Illtud (sometimes spellt Illtyd). The church, although modest in scale, is one of the most important historically in the UK. Here, in 496 AD, the aforementioned St Illtud - a Breton by birth - established a monastery, which rapidly became a major seat of learning in Dark Ages Europe: at its height, it is reputed to have had 700 houses, 7 halls, and 2,000 students from all over the world, studying theology, poetry and rhetoric, geometry, grammar and arithmetic. Recognised as the earliest centre of learning in the UK, the ravages of Viking raids in the 8th and 9th centuries and the relative decline of Celtic Christianity saw the college peter out in the mediaeval period. Had it survived, it would predate Bologna as Europe's oldest University by 500 years. Alas, it did not; but the monastery church did, and it is a fascinating monument. The building unusually retains its form of having two churches: a western church for the parishioners, and the main eastern church reserved for the monks, which has both a second nave and a chancel. The tower and crossing separate the two. Ruins of a Galillee Chapel beyond the western part indicate it was once larger still. The western church is rather scrubbed now, but it has a lovely 15th century wooden roof, 13th and 16th century tombstones, and an important collection of 7th to 9th century Celtic crosses, commemorating the Welsh kings and saints buried here. Despite their quality and importance, these appear strangely unappreciated they were hemmed in by stacks of chairs during my last visit... The crossing itself, dating from the 13th century, is of little interest save for the large decorated Norman font, but the nave of the eastern church now the main worship space certainly is. The architecture is an astonishingly spare and primitive gothic, with pointed arches resting on square pillars, and whitewashed walls, bare of carving, presumably reflecting the relative impoverishment of the local mediaeval economy. But extensive remnants of frescoes survive, dated around 1400, including a fine (and larger-than-life) St Christopher carrying Christ, a well-preserved one of St Mary Magdalene, and some geometric decoration. There are also stone carvings and tombs from the 14th century, and in the chancel a fine 15th carved stone reredos, donated by the Raglan family. As the photographs show, the church's modern surroundings are lovely: the graveyard is beautifully maintained (more arboretum than cemetery, with yews, oaks and palms). On my last visit, the nearby cottage gardens were veritably bursting with lilac and hawthorn.

This delightful small church stands in the small hamlet of Porthkerry, (Porthceri in Welsh) just…read moresouth of Cardiff International Airport and west of Porthkerry Park on the outskirts of Barry. In front of the church is a small green, surrounded by cottages and a farm, parts of which are itself mediaeval. The church is dedicated to St Curig, a 6th Century Welsh saint who became Bishop of Llanbadarn (near Aberystwyth) and subsequently Bishop of Brittany, and died around AD 550. The settlement means the port or harbour of Ceri in Welsh, although which Ceri it refers to is rather obscure. Built in the 13th century (on a site which may be older), the church has a simple plan of nave, chancel and porch, with a robust west tower. The interior contains a water stoup and rood screen, both of Tudor date, but pre-dating the Reformation. The interior is brilliantly whitewashed, a relic of substantial Victorian restoration in 1867, which saw the building re-roofed and the chancel arch rebuilt. The tower has a ring of 6 bells, four of which are ancient. The architecture is simple gothic, although much of the detailing we see to-day dates from the Victorian restoration. The remains of an ancient doorway can be seen in the south wall of the chancel. The church is listed at Grade II*. A recent refurbishment has seen the exterior whitewashed as well. The cross in the churchyard is also of interest as it dates from around the 15th century. Although rebuilt at a later date, it seems they used the original stone as it all appears to be mediaeval. The cross is a Grade II Listed monument in its own right. Despite its proximity to the airport and the growing village of Rhoose, the church and its little settlement feels relatively isolated and a little haven of peace - until disturbed from time to time by aircraft! The church can be reached by road from nearby Rhoose, or by footpaths from Porthkerry Park. (NB the paths are steep, and can be muddy in winter.)

The Noramn church of St. John Baptist is a beautiful centerpiece to the village of Newton,…read morePorthcawl, Established by Norman Crusading Knights, of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the church is around 800 years old Newton Church is a typical example of a Norman church in appearance - having originally built to also serve as a fortress. The Church has a bell tower, and the bells can often be heard ringing - for weddings, services and to mark the time. The church hall is situated across the green - and is host to local clubs. There is a Holy Well in close proximity to the Parish Church at the South of the green. The churchyard and graveyard is nicely planted with mature Trees. The church is active, and service times can be seen by the very small carpark Newton church is beautiful - and well worth a look from inside or out.

Cowbridge is a small, prosperous market town, roughly half way between Cardiff and Bridgend…read more Although there is some evidence of Roman occupation, a mediaeval walled town was founded by charter in 1254 within the older parish of Llanblethian. The centre of the town still retains its mediaeval street plan, including the South Gate. Church history The parish church was originally built as a Chapel of Ease of the parish church in Llanblethian, and was probably founded along with the town. Until the 20th century it was dedicated to St Mary. Although the church contains elements from the 13th century, the most remarkable feature is its semi-fortified tower, built around 1300. The church was extended in the 14th and 15th centuries, and restored restored by John Pritchard 1848-53 and George Pace in the 20th century. A recent grant from Cadw, the Welsh Historic Monuments agency, has restored the tower to its mediaeval appearance, complete with external rendering. The building is listed at Grade 1. The building The church is tucked away off the High Street, a short walk from the old grammar School and remaining south gate. From Church Street, the building is dominated by its massive, squat, tower: hugely buttressed and with a projecting staircase, it is surmounted by an octagonal battlement. Other notable external features are the substantial south aisle, almost as large as the nave, and a large north chancel chapel, now used as a vestry. Inside, the combination of the nave and south aisle make for a spacious interior, with an arcade of elegant clustered piers separating the two. There is no crossing as such, the space under the tower leading to the heavily-Victorianised chancel. The south aisle retains its 15th century wagon roof. The most notable fittings include a very fine Jacobean memorial to William Carne, Lord of the Manor of Nash, and his wide Elizabeth, located in the South Aisle, together with their three sons and daughters, the women in black, the men in armour; and a fine 17th century memorial to the family of David Jenkins (d. 1664) in the nave. Both nave and aisle are filled with low (and apparently very uncomfortable) mid-Victorian box pews, although some of these have been removed in the nave and there are plans to remove even more. While this creates a large flexible space, I am less sure about the choice of bright red for both seats and carpet, which for me rather jars with the mediaeval and Victorian fabric. On a jollier note, the church was filled with Christmas trees on my visit, each donated by a different group or institution, as part of a Christmas festival. The church is the centre of a very busy parish life, which encompasses a total of eleven churches.