The tiny city of St David’s, Britain’s smallest city with a population of just 1500, is dominated by its cathedral. St David, the patron saint of Wales, was one of the earliest Celtic missionaries who sought to convert the barbaric tribes of western Europe to Christianity. He founded a monastery on the site where the cathedral now stands in AD 589. After Pope Calixtus canonised David (or Dewi as he is known in Welsh) in 1120, the site became a major place of pilgrimage. Bishop Bernard dedicated the cathedral in 1131 and construction work began in 1181. In the south transept there are some fine Celtic carvings on the Abraham Stone, the gravestone of the sons of Bishop Abraham who was killed by Vikings in 1080. Every May and June, the cathedral hosts the St David’s Cathedral Festival, featuring nine days of classical music performances.
Air: Cardiff International Airport. Rail: Train: Haverfordwest Station or Fishguard Station. Road: Bus: Public services.

St David’s Cathedral, St David’s, Pembrokeshire SA62 6RH, UK
Tel: (01437) 720 691
Website: www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk

United Kingdom