Come and see a mystical piece of Welsh history!
St. Govan was a hermit (though some tales refer to him as more of a thief) living in the 6th century. Some believe that his name, Gowan, is actually Gawain, the Arthurian knight of legend with strong connections to the area. As the story goes, Govan was heading to Wales when he was attacked by a band of Irish pirates. He fled to the cliffside to make an escape when suddenly the rock face miraculously shifted into a cave. He used it to hide from the pirates, saving his life. After this, he dedicated his life to God and spent the rest of his life there as a hermit. It wasn’t until the 13th/14th century that the chapel was constructed as a place for people to enjoy the site. There are some interesting claims about the site, with people saying that the water there can cure problems with your limbs and your eyes and that the number of steps is never the same going down as going back up!
Whether or not you’re religious, it’s a fascinating story and the views along the coast are stunning. There are plenty of seabirds to spot on the cliffs, including guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.
Where can I find St Govan’s Chapel?
- Entry: Free
- Open 24/7
- This is a rural area so please dress accordingly (sensible shoes etc)
