Tintern Abbey

Its easy to understand why Tintern Abbey was one of the first places in Wales to attract visitors. Travellers have been flocking to this riverbank in the wooded Wye Valley for hundreds of years to admire Tintern's grace and sublime beauty.

The appeal of this exceptional religious house, the best preserved medieval abbey in Wales, remains as enduring as ever. Founded by Cistercian monks in 1131 and largely rebuilt by Roger Bigod, lord of nearby Chepstow Castle, in the late 13th century, it encompasses grand design and architectural detail of great finesse.

The shell of the abbey stands open to the skies almost to its full height, an outstanding example of the elaborate 'decorated' style of Gothic architecture. Visitors are invariably captivated by the vast windows with their delicate tracery, and the wealth of decorative detail displayed in the walls, doorways and soaring archways. Tintern stirs the soul, and has inspired artists and poets like the great JMW Turner and William Wordsworth, who wrote the famous poem, composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey.

Access:- Tintern via A466, from M4 (Junction 22) - Railway:- Chepstow 6 miles.

Telephone:- +44 1291 689251 - Disabled facilities

For further information on Wales's Wealth of historic sites write to:-

Cadw, Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Park Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ, Wales, UK.

Telephone:- +44 1443 33 6000

Fax:- +44 1443 33 6001