Talley Abbey, Llandeilo, United Kingdom

Talley Abbey is a ruined former monastery of the Premonstratensians in the village of Talley in Carmarthenshire, Wales, six miles (10 km) north of the market town of Llandeilo. It lies in the River Cothi valley. Access to the site of the abbey is free, and the site is maintained by Cadw.

The monastery was founded by Rhys ap Gruffydd in or about 1185. In common with Strata Florida Abbey, it was once claimed to be the site of the grave of the medieval Welsh poet Dafydd ap Gwilym, but this is one of the discredited theories of Iolo Morganwg. There are two lakes near the abbey ruins, which was used for fish farming to support the community of monks. The abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII and the structure mined by the villagers for stone to build much of the present village and the chapel next to the abbey. The ruinous tower is surrounded by steep wooded hills, and it can be reached by a circuitous lane from the main road. It is well signposted.

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User Reviews

Morgan (13 months ago)
I wish there were better information boards with more details and maps of the area.

Nicholas Hoffman (14 months ago)
Fantastic walks into the hills for a great view of the Abbey

Karl Sedgwick (17 months ago)
Title: A Tranquil Journey Through History - Talley Abbey, West Wales Review by Karl: Nestled in the serene heart of West Wales, Talley Abbey stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of the region. Visiting this enchanting site, one is immediately struck by the profound sense of tranquility that permeates the air. The ruins, draped in a mantle of time, whisper tales of bygone eras, inviting a contemplative walk through history. The picturesque surroundings are a haven for nature lovers, with verdant landscapes offering peaceful walks and moments of reflection. What makes Talley Abbey even more appealing is its open invitation to everyone without any charge. It’s a rare gem where the beauty of nature seamlessly intertwines with historical grandeur. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an admirer of natural beauty, or simply seeking a quiet retreat, Talley Abbey is unequivocally worth the trip. A visit here is not just a journey through the physical remnants of the past, but an exploration of tranquility and natural splendor. Diolch CADW

Robert Narayan-Taylor (17 months ago)
Superb walks, majestic scenery. Beautiful friendly village people and easy driving, parking and amazing weather

Lauren (2 years ago)
Beautiful Abbey! It's interesting to see how the stone from the Abbey has been used by the houses near it. Great place to visit with a lovely little cafe next to it.? There is also a sweet little church from the 1700s that can be visited.⛪️

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Christian Lauw

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The Pilgrimage Church of Wies (Wieskirche) is an oval rococo church, designed in the late 1740s by Dominikus Zimmermann. It is located in the foothills of the Alps in the municipality of Steingaden.

The sanctuary of Wies is a pilgrimage church extraordinarily well-preserved in the beautiful setting of an Alpine valley, and is a perfect masterpiece of Rococo art and creative genius, as well as an exceptional testimony to a civilization that has disappeared.

The hamlet of Wies, in 1738, is said to have been the setting of a miracle in which tears were seen on a simple wooden figure of Christ mounted on a column that was no longer venerated by the Premonstratensian monks of the Abbey. A wooden chapel constructed in the fields housed the miraculous statue for some time. However, pilgrims from Germany, Austria, Bohemia, and even Italy became so numerous that the Abbot of the Premonstratensians of Steingaden decided to construct a splendid sanctuary.

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