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Photo: Jim Linwood, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Site of 6th-century AD Christian community and 13th-century Augustinian priory.
The Priory and Parish Church of Saint Mary is in Beddgelert, in the Snowdonia area of Gwynedd, Wales. It is a Grade II* listed building, on the site of one of the oldest Christian establishments in Wales. An early Christian community was established there in the 6th century AD which is mentioned by Gerald of Wales. An Augustinian priory was founded there in the 13th century, and in the Middle Ages it grew substantially thanks to the support of important Welsh nobles including Prince Llewelyn.
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The village is reputedly named after this place. Gelert was a hound, slain by his master under the erroneous belief that he had killed the master's son when he had saved him from a wolf, or so they say.
On the A485 to the east of the village. A tour of a 19th-century copper mine.
Pre-Roman hillfort, the site of many Welsh and Arthurian legends. The fort is supposed to be the burial place of the Red Dragon of Wales and the White Dragon of the Saxons. The wizard Merlin is also reputed to have buried his treasure in a cave here. Legend tells that the treasure will one day be rediscovered. The discoverer will be 'golden-haired and blue-eyed'. When he or she is close to Dinas Emrys a bell will ring to invite them into the cave, which will open as soon as their foot touches it. If you fit the description there's nothing to lose by giving it a try!