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Strata Florida Abbey, Tregaron

4.3

#4 of 6 in Historic Sites in Ceredigion

Strata Florida Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey situated just outside Pontrhydfendigaid, near Tregaron in the county of Ceredigion, Wales. The abbey was founded in 1164. "Strata Florida" is a Latinisation of the Welsh Ystrad Fflur; "Valley of Flowers". The Welsh word ystrad is synonymous with "strath" and "dale", while fflur is also the name of the nearby river. After the region around St Davids was firmly occupied by the Norman Marcher lordship of Pembroke by the early 12th century, with St Davids firmly under Norman influence thereafter, the princely Dinefwr family of Deheubarth transferred their patronage to Strata Florida, and interred many of their family members there.HistoryFoundationThe Monastery was founded in 1164 by the Cambro-Norman Knight Robert FitzStephen (c 1123—1183). In the 12th century, Cistercian monks from Whitland Abbey, Narbeth, Carmarthenshire started to construct a religious settlement on the banks of the Afon Fflur (from which the present Abbey takes its name), a short distance from the present site. This was at a time of fast expansion of the Cistercian order. The site of this first settlement is known as Hen Fynachlog (the Old Monastery).

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Strata Florida Abbey Reviews

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40 reviews

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4.0

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4.6

113 likes

By wooowee On February 26, 2018

Lovely peaceful location. Well maintained site. We had trouble finding it (no road signs til you're really near it). Car park was closed but found an out of the way nook to leave car. No-one else was ... more »
By majla11 On January 14, 2018

I did visit abbey during our off road weekend, is a truly wonderful place. I'm a huge fan of any kinds of ruins and remains, even that not much left from it, I still did enjoyed it. more »
By KevinSadler2364 On November 16, 2017

It's a little off the beaten track, but the ruins of the abbey and the church sitting beside it are simply wonderful. The towering hills in the back ground make it an evocative place, and the history ... more »

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By Tony Lilley On October 1, 2017

Went there many times when staying in Aberystwth years ago. Now living in South Carolina. Wales is very beautiful in all weathers. Miss it very much

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By Matt Hughes On June 25, 2017

A well maintained site with friendly staff and excellent views. Takes around 40 minutes to complete a tour and is reasonably cheap.

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By Peter Glyn On August 30, 2017

Severly damaged and in ruins but some interesting arches that show the original stonework and craftmanship. Worth a look on a sunny day.

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By Lesley Parker On July 18, 2017

Peaceful. Historic. Beautiful. Spiritual.

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By Catherine Cooper On July 12, 2017

Lovely place! Peaceful with beautiful scenery.

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