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Strata Florida is located just outside the small village of Pontrhydfendigiad around 30 minutes drive from Aberystwyth. Here you will find the ruins and remains of the former Cistercian monastery which was extremely important to Wales during the middle ages and the Abbey was founded in 1164. It is set in beautiful countryside and the abbey – Ystrad Fflw in Welsh, means valley of flowers and of a nearby river, the Fflwr.
The Abbey had links to great people of Wales during the middle ages especially the (Rhys ap Gruffydd) the Prince of Deheubarth (south-west Wales), LLewelyn the Great of Gwynedd in the north and Owain Glyndwr and information regarding these can be seen at the site. Strata Florida was also a military base for King Henry IV during the Owain Glyndwr rebellion; the king expelled any monks who had supported Glyndwr. He then proceeded to plunder the abbey.
Nothing much remains in terms of the structure these days but the remains of the main walls are visible and the shape and layout of te abbey can be clearly seen. The site is well looked after by Cadw (the Welsh Government’s Heritage programme) and there is a small shop on site where you pay £4 entry (free for dogs) and where there is a small cafe with further information of the site.
If you are looking for a bit of history whilst out and about in Mid Wales with your pooch then this is well worth a visit. There is parking opposite the site and a lovely dog walk trail to the right of the car park which follows the river.
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