Churches & religious landmarks

Monmouthshire has some of the most interesting churches in South East Wales. From historic ruins to active town and country parishes, each one with an important story to tell.

Today’s highlights include the iconic and romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey, founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, and the equally inspirational but less visited Llanthony Priory, built by Augustinian monks in 1113 in the secluded Vale of Ewyas.

St Mary’s Priory Church in Abergavenny has been described as the 'Westminster Abbey of Wales', attracting thousands of visitors each year to see the fine collection of historic monuments and medieval carvings. The great of all ages lie there – Norman, Plantagenet, Tudor and Stuart.

For hidden gems check out the Church of St Issui at Partrishow, St Mary’s church at Llanfair Kilgeddin and the Church of St Martin at Cwmyoy. The Church of St Issui is in a stunning location in the Grwyne Fawr valley with panoramic views. Inside the church you’ll find a beautiful 15th century oak rood screen and loft and on the west wall of the nave a painted figure of ‘time’ - a skeleton with scythe, hourglass and spade.    

The interior of St Mary’s, Llanfair Kilgeddin is richly decorated with 16 colourful sgraffito wall panels created by the artist Heywood Sumner. On the theme of The Benedicite (Song of Creation) he depicted nature, the seasons, and local landmarks, in a style inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and emerging Art Nouveau movement.

St Martin’s was built on the shifting sub-soil of a massive ancient land-slip. As the ground has continued to settle it has caused the walls of the church to lean in a variety of crazy angles – the tower, incredibly still standing, now leans to a greater degree than the leaning tower of Pisa!

See a map of Monmouthshire's Churches here