The Cistercian abbey at Strata Florida (“Valley of Flowers”) was founded in 1164 and enjoyed the patronage of the Dinefwr family, rulers of the principality of Deheubarth in South Wales. The Abbey established and controlled many farms throughout Wales, farming sheep for wool and growing food crops.
A route between Strata Florida and the Abbey at Cwm-Hir (to the east of Rhayader) is known as “Monks’ Trod” and can still be walked today.
The monks were evicted by the crown in 1401 during Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion but returned afterwards.
Following the dissolution in 1539 the Abbey was abandoned and is now a ruin, with the largest remaining structure being an archway to the nave.
You can see sections of medieval tiled floors and there are display boards interpreting the layout of the ruins and the the area around it.
The site was designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1919 and is now in the care of Cadw: details of admission prices and opening hours can be see on the Cadw website.
Postcode: SY25 6ES
Distance: 27 miles