Cymer Abbey

Heritage Site in Merionethshire

Wales

Cymer Abbey

Llyn Cynwch Cader Idris in the background. — Llyn Cynwch Credit: John H Darch

Cymer Abbey, located in Merionethshire, Wales, is a historic heritage site of great significance. The abbey, also known as Abaty Cymer, was founded in 1198 by Maredudd ap Cynan, a Welsh prince, and was one of the most important Cistercian monastic houses in medieval Wales.

Situated in the scenic Dysynni Valley, Cymer Abbey boasted a strategic location near the confluence of the rivers Dysynni and Mawddach. The abbey's picturesque surroundings, with the majestic Cadair Idris mountain in the distance, made it an ideal retreat for the monks who sought a life of prayer and contemplation.

The abbey's architectural style was primarily Gothic, with some Romanesque influences. The remains of the abbey include the church, cloister, chapter house, and the remains of the monastic buildings. The church is particularly notable for its beautiful lancet windows, which allow ample light to filter into the space.

Over the centuries, Cymer Abbey played a significant role in the religious, cultural, and economic life of the region. It was a place of pilgrimage and a center for learning, attracting scholars and visitors from far and wide. The abbey's wealth and influence grew steadily, and it owned extensive lands and properties throughout Wales.

Sadly, the abbey's demise came with the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in the 16th century. The abbey was stripped of its valuables, and the buildings fell into disrepair. Today, Cymer Abbey stands as a poignant reminder of Wales' monastic past, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts who marvel at its architectural beauty and reflect on its historical significance.

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Cymer Abbey Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.7581/-3.8962 or Grid Reference SH7219. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Llyn Cynwch

Cader Idris in the background.

John H Darch

Llyn Cynwch & Cadair Idris

A place to linger on the famous Precipice Walk.

Mike Parker

A470 near Coed y Brenin

Steven Brown

Llyn Tan-y-Graig

A spectacular September morning shows the lake off at its very best.

Mike Parker

Cadair Idris a Llyn Tan-y-Graig

The morning mist and cloud is fast burning off the summits of Cadair Idris, as the sun takes hold on a beautifully warm early September morning.

Mike Parker

Dying larches, Llyn Tan-y-Graig

Unfortunately, many of the larch trees in these forests are dying or already dead, thanks to the rapid spread of the Phytophthora ramorum fungus. There will be major felling over the winter, and this view will soon be gone.

Mike Parker

The south-west slopes of Foel Faner

Looking to the Afon Mawddach estuary.

David Purchase

Little re-entrant on the Precipice Walk

An amusing little feature on the walk.

Jeremy Bolwell

Part of the Precipice Walk above Dolgellau

The walk offers great views westards in late afternoon or evening, depending on the season, and the weather.

Jeremy Bolwell

Cadair Idris from the Precipice Walk

Majestic, beautiful, inspiring - this view has it all. Though it's not quite as good as the view from that ridgeline...

Jeremy Bolwell

Llyn Cynwch

A tranquil setting for a reservoir and a lovely walk.

Jeremy Bolwell

Foel Faner

Foel Faner is a lesser top of the hill, Foel Cynwch and is seen from the ridge south of the summit of that hill. The cloud-shadowed and misted mountain range in the distance is Cadair Idris.

Trevor Littlewood

Walls beside Coed Dol-fawr

The declining south-west ridge of Foel Cynwch has a tapering finger of moorland that eventually gives way to farmland and woods. The walls seen here are adjacent to one of those woods.

Trevor Littlewood