Further along the Pembrokeshire coast, we visited beautiful Saint David’s Cathedral. St. David is the patron saint of Wales. He was born in Pembrokeshire in the year 500, and is the only native born patron saint of the countries of the British Isles. Although born into royalty, he lived a very simplified monastic life, farming the land by hand and without the use of animals. St. David was a vegetarian and did not drink alcohol. It was said that he existed on leeks and water, which may be why leeks have become a national symbol of Wales. As a renowned preacher, St. David founded many churches and monastic settlements, including his home monastery here. When he died in 589, he was buried at this monastery – ensuring it became an important pilgrimage shrine for the faithful.
The cathedral building, as it stands today, was begun in 1181 on the grounds of the original monastery. Showcasing centuries of Medieval craftsmanship, it was constructed primarily from a purple-hued sandstone with intricately carved woodwork. It has been repaired, remodeled and rebuilt over fourteen centuries, even withstanding plunder of the Norsemen in the Dark Ages. Here’s a few glimpses of some of our favorite details of this Gothic masterpiece.
Oh now. That’s bucket list.
Not sure about yours, but I’m realizing our bucket list has no bottom at this point!
What a beautiful place. Loving all the descriptive terminology
I think we need a thesaurus to keep up with all the ‘descriptive terminology’!
After all the work and time you and Nick put into my ceiling can you just imagine what went into those ceilings.!!!! You guys got off easy. With all the churches and cathedrals you visit you might come home super religious or at least with thighs of steel. Keep the posts coming. I’m enjoying every word and photo
Yeah, if you want to embellish your ceiling a bit more when I get back … I’m getting some really neat ideas! Gold leaf and gargoyles might look pretty cool around the skylight and dormers 😋