Valle Crucis Abbey |
||||||||||
|
The evocative ruins of Valle Crucis lie in green fields beneath Llangollan's steep-sided mountains. In medieval times, this was a remote spot (ideal for the austere Cistercian monks, who deliberately sought out wild and lonely places). Their abbey, founded in the 13th century and added to a century later, has fared better than many of its contemporaries against the ravages of time, history and neglect.
Many original features remain, including the glorious west front complete with an elaborate,
richly carved doorway, beautiful rose window and 14th century inscription "Abbot Adam carried out this work; may he rest in peace. Amen". Other well preserved features include the east end of the abbey (which still overlooks the monks' original fishpond) and the lovely chapter house with its striking rib-vaulted roof.
Valle Crucis is not just a lesson in medieval ecclesiastical architecture. A visit to this fascinating site evokes the lives of the Cistercian monks, successful sheep farmers and
enthusiastic supporters of Welsh culture as well as devout men of religion. Interestingly, Valle Crucis also reveals a gradual relaxation in the strict regime of the Cistercians. By the late 15th century, the abbot decided to build for himself a fine new hall with a heated private apartment. Valle Crucis, the "Valley of the Cross", is named after Eliseg's Pillar, a 9th century Christian memorial cross which stands nearby.
General Information:
|
Opening Times
|
|
(2006 times)
1st April to 30th September:Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm. Last admission 30 mins before closing. Open and unstaffed with no admission charge at all other times, hours generally 10.00am - 4.00pm Daily. |
|
Admission Charges
|
|
(2006 prices)
Adult £2.50; Concession £2.00; Family ticket (2 + 3 under 16yrs) £7.00.Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5yrs Free. |
|
Directions
|
| On A542 from Llangollen, approx 3km/2mls on RHS. |
| Show map of Valle Crucis Abbey... |
|
Valle Crucis Abbey Postcode for SatNav: LL20 8DD |
|
Nearby Attractions
|
|
Llangollen Motor Museum
(< 1 Mile)*
See the cars that Grandad used to drive. |
|
Llangollen Railway
(1 Mile)*
Part of the Ruabon to Barmouth line, the railway runs 7.5 miles along the Dee Valley through outstanding Welsh scenery, with hidden views over the valley and its surroundings. |
|
Erddig Hall, Gardens & Country Park
(7 Miles)*
Erddig is a very special place. It is a unique family home that has captured the way of life of a bustling household community during the early years of this century. |
| more nearby attractions... |
|
Nearby Hotels
|
|
White Waters Hotel is a new hotel situated in delightful surroundings overlooking the River Dee and yet located only one mile from the town centre. |
|
The Chainbridge Hotel is uniquely situated between the spectacular River Dee with it's racing white water and leaping salmon, and the Llangollen Canal that begins it's life just a short walk away at the beautiful Horseshoe Falls. |
|
This hotel rests by the banks of the River Dee, in the heart of this historic market town that nestles within the Welsh mountains. |
| more nearby hotels... |
|
Nearby Self Catering
|
Copyright © 1999-2008 Excelsior Information Systems Limited.
All rights reserved.
Press Room Terms of Use Privacy Link to Us Self-Catering Advertising Index Site Map

