St David’s open house is one of the most iconic buildings in Wales, with a great deal of Welsh history and culture behind it. Get ready to learn all about this building and why it’s so special!
What is St David’s Cathedral?
St David’s Cathedral is the principal Catholic church in Wales. It is located in the city of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Cardiff and seat of the Bishop of Cardiff.
The cathedral was designed by architect Joseph Hansom and completed in 1886. It is built in the Gothic Revival style with a nave, two transepts, a choir and an apse. The exterior of the cathedral is clad in Portland stone and has a number of ornate features including gargoyles, grotesques and stained glass windows.
The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as the exterior with a vaulted ceiling, marble columns and an atmospheric setting. The cathedral is home to a number of important artworks including a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds and a statue by Sir Jacob Epstein.
The cathedral is open to visitors throughout the year and there are a number of guided tours available. Visitors can also explore the crypt which houses a museum about the history of the cathedral.
Facts about the cathedral
Cardiff’s St David’s Cathedral is the tallest building in Wales and the fourth tallest in the United Kingdom. It is also the largest cathedral in Wales, with the nave measuring 145 feet by 246 feet. The building was constructed between 1254 and 1284, and its design is based on that of Westminster Abbey.
The cathedral is named after Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. Saint David was a 6th-century monk who founded a monastery at nearby Hen Wynn (now St Fagans National History Museum). He was canonized by Pope Callixtus II in 1120, and his remains are said to be buried within the cathedral.
The cathedral has been damaged and rebuilt several times over the centuries. In 1402, it was struck by lightning and burned down. It was rebuilt in 1403, but then destroyed by Glyndwr’s rebels in 1404. It was again rebuilt in 1405, and then damaged by an earthquake in 1568. The current building dates from 1254 to 1284, with extensive restoration work carried out in the 19th and 20th centuries.
How to get there?
St David’s is located in the heart of Cardiff, just a short walk from Cardiff Central train station. The best way to reach the site is on foot, as there are a number of pedestrian routes that lead directly to the cathedral. If you’re coming by car, there is a small car park onsite, though spaces are limited. The nearest public parking is at Queen Street multi-storey, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Conclusion
If you’re ever in Cardiff, be sure to stop by St David’s Open House. It’s a great way to learn about the history and legend behind Cardiff’s cathedral, and it’s a beautiful building to boot. We hope you enjoyed exploring the open house and learning more about this iconic Welsh landmark.
