Saint Govan's Chapel — Attraction in Great Britain

Person who have keen interest in history and architecture, make the visit to Saint Govan's Chapel in Pembrokeshire, Wales, truly unique and unforgettable experience. Tucked away on the rugged cliffs of the Pembrokeshire Coast, this 13th-century chapel offers a serene and spiritual retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Upon reaching the chapel, the first thing that struck me was its unique location, nestled within a cleft in the limestone cliffs. The chapel's stone structure seamlessly blends with the surrounding rocks, almost as if it were carved directly from the cliff itself. This natural integration adds to the mystical aura of the place.

According to local legend, Saint Govan fled to this spot to escape pirates, and a cleft in the rocks miraculously opened to conceal him. This story adds a layer of mystique to the chapel, making it a place of pilgrimage and reflection for many visitors.

One of the highlights of visiting Saint Govan's Chapel is the spectacular view of the coastline. After exploring the chapel, I took a moment to sit on the rocks and gaze out at the vast expanse of the sea. The tranquillity of the surroundings, combined with the natural beauty of the cliffs and ocean, created a perfect setting for contemplation and relaxation.

Saint Govan's Chapel is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. I was deeply moved by the chapel's simplicity and its powerful connection to nature. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, a visit to Saint Govan's Chapel is a must. It is a place where one can truly disconnect from the world and find solace in the serene embrace of nature...

St Govan's Chapel was built in the 14th century in the crevice of rock Govan is siad to have hidden from pirates. Tradition says that on his way to Pembrokeshire, Govan was persued by pirates from Lundy Island. He saught refuge in a fissure in the cliffs and escaped. Ashamed of his cowardice, he decided to stay and convert the pirates if they returned, and as teacher to the local people. He stayed for the rest of his life there and died in 586. He is said to be buried beneath the altar. The chapel itself is small and simple, stone benches line the two long walls, the altar sits beside steps and a door to Govan's cell, and there is a door diagonally opposite to the rocks below. Beside the main window is the remains of the piscina, and the is a niche by the door into the chapel. Set in the floor is the "healing well", the waters of which are said to cure eye complaints and skin diseases though the mud in there would probably cause more problems. The cell features an interesting fissure in the rock, supposedly the one in which Govan hid. It contains rib-like markings said to be the imprint of St Govan's body. The chapel is access via a flight of irregular and uneven stone steps. Access may be blocked entirely on some occasions by firing at the Castlemartin range. Keep an eye out for the red flag when approaching...

What a Hidden Gem! Mike I and the dogs really enjoyed this visit. Stunning scenery, beautiful beach, and the Chapel built into the Cliff is just mind blowing. How it was carved and constructed in such a place all them years ago. I Believe the Chapel was built of limestone and is 18ft by 12ft . The roof is vaulted. The Chapel dates back to the 13th Century,and may well have been founded as early as the 6th Century by St Govans followers . The well inside ( now dried up ) was said to have healing properties for conditions such as eye complaints, Rheumatism, and skin diseases. And the Saints Holy Well outside. Whilst there we was very lucky to see some 🦭in the rock pool below the Chapel. The steps are quite steep and there is a hand rail down to the chapel. The steps are quite slippy and some have grip tape on them, suitable shoes is a really good idea for this visit. The dogs was carried down due to steep conditions. Really good sized car park with free parking. You can take you’re dogs. It is advised you keep dogs on leads, due to the terrain and cliff drops. There was toilets approximately a 5 minute drive from the Chapel where you can get onto the beach Bosherton. This car park you have to pay. On the drive to the Chapel there is some cafes to get refreshments. Well...