St Davids Cathedral

What it is and why it matters

St David, patron saint of Wales, founded a monastic community here and died in 589. In 1123 Pope Calixtus II decreed that two pilgrimages to St Davids equalled one to Rome, which made it one of the great pilgrim destinations of medieval Britain. Inside, the floor slopes nearly four metres from east to west, and the nave has a carved Irish oak ceiling made between 1530 and 1540. St David's shrine was restored and re-dedicated on St David's Day 2012. Next to the cathedral are the ruins of the medieval Bishop's Palace.

Visiting practicalities

Entry is free, with a suggested donation. The Merrivale car park to the west gives the less steep walk down to the cathedral; disabled parking spaces can be booked, and visitors with severe mobility needs can arrange to be dropped at the gates by the South Porch. A wheelchair is available in the South Porch, there is an accessible toilet in the South Cloister, and a hearing loop in the nave and quire. As a working cathedral, services and events can close all or part of the building, so contact the Deanery Office before a group visit. Handheld photography is free for personal use, except in the library.

Nearby and combine with

The Bishop's Palace ruins sit just across the river from the cathedral. St Davids' small streets have cafés and galleries, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs close to the city around St Non's Bay.

Highlights

• Site of St David's 6th-century monastery
• Present building begun in 1181
• Floor slopes nearly four metres east to west
• Irish oak nave ceiling from 1530 to 1540
• Restored shrine of St David, re-dedicated in 2012

Good to know

• Entry is free; a donation is suggested.
• Merrivale car park gives the less steep approach.
• Services or events may close parts of the cathedral.
• Photography is not allowed in the Cathedral Library.

Frequently asked questions