Brecon Cathedral

Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog


Perched on a hill above the River Honddu, Brecon Cathedral was founded in 1093 as part of a Benedictine monastery, though little remains of the original Norman church except the vividly carved font. Most of the Gothic structure standing today dates from the early 13th century. Modern additions include an ornate 1937 altarpiece and a cross that seems to hover in mid-air at the end of the nave. In the cathedral grounds are a Heritage Centre, cafe and gift shop.

The cathedral hosts regular choral concerts and is very visitor-friendly, with information points scattered about providing details about key features. Look out for the stone cresset just inside the main door. This ancient lighting device is the only one of its kind in Wales; the 30 cups were filled with oil and lit to illuminate dark corners or steps. Make sure you visit the Harvard Chapel, the regimental chapel of the South Wales Borderers, draped with banners from the Zulu wars. There are also memorials to the English victory at Agincourt in the Hundred Years' War, to which men of Brecon contributed so much.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog attractions

1. Heritage Centre

0.04 MILES

Housed in a restored 15th-century tithe barn within the cathedral grounds, this centre has displays on the complex's history and some interesting objects,…

2. Ely Tower

0.15 MILES

Across the road from the Castle of Brecon Hotel and only partially visible from the road is the original Norman motte, capped by the ivy-clad Ely Tower …

3. Brecknock Castle

0.2 MILES

There's not much left of Brecon's 11th-century Norman castle, except for a couple of sturdy walls facing the intersection of the Rivers Usk and Honddu…

4. St Mary's Church

0.3 MILES

Built over 900 years ago as a chapel associated with the Benedictine monastery up the hill (now the cathedral), this large stone church dominates Brecon's…

5. Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery

0.37 MILES

Behind the stolid neoclassical exterior of the former shire hall is the town's museum – although it's been shut for several years now. Various promised…

6. Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

0.51 MILES

Brecon is the northern terminus of this canal, built between 1799 and 1812 for the movement of coal, iron ore, limestone and agricultural goods. The 33…

8. Pen-y-Fan

5.09 MILES

Ascending Pen-y-Fan (886m), the tallest peak in the Brecon Beacons, is one of the most popular hikes in the park (around 350,000 people make the climb…

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