St David's (Ty-ddewi)

Introducing St David's (Ty-ddewi)

Featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest city in the UK – population-wise it’s little more than an overgrown village – St David’s was awarded the title of ‘city’ courtesy of its magnificent cathedral. Known in Welsh as Tydewwi (the House of David), this is the holiest site in Wales; birth- and burial-place of the nation’s patron saint, the cradle of Welsh Christianity and a place of pilgrimage for more than 1500 years.

St David founded a monastic community here in the 6th century, only a short walk from where he was born at St Non’s Bay. In 1124, Pope Calixtus II declared that two pilgrimages to St David’s were the equivalent of one to Rome, and three to St David’s were equal to one to Jerusalem. The cathedral has seen a constant stream of visitors ever since.

Today, St David’s attracts hordes of non religious pilgrims too, drawn by the town’s laid-back vibe and the excellent hiking, surfing and wildlife-watching in the surrounding area.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009