More formally known as the Cathedral Church of St Deiniol, this building occupies one of the oldest ecclesiastical sites in Britain, dating from AD 525, when the saint founded a monastic cell here. The beginning from which the city of Bangor grew, today's stone church dates to the 12th century, when Gruffudd ap Cynan rebuilt it following Viking raids. Later episodes of destruction followed, and much of today's cathedral is the work of Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert Scott.
The cathedral has a small shop and an exhibition about its history. An artistic highlight is the late-15th-century, almost-life-size oak carving of Mostyn Christ, seated and shackled in the moments before his crucifixion. Look out for the tomb in the south transept that may or may not contain the mortal remains of Owain Gwynedd, the 12th-century Prince of Wales. After his death, he was excommunicated due to amorous relations with a first cousin and it was requested that his body be removed.
