The tiny fishing village of Aberdaron, at the tip of the Llin peninsula on the north-west coast of Wales, has served the needs of pilgrims on their way to Bardzi, an island of twenty thousand saints, for many centuries. ,
Three pilgrimages to Bardsy were equal to Rome alone, therefore Bardzi was a very important religious place, especially for poor people, since there could be no pilgrimage to Rome. And with the prosperity of the village on the island (Aberdaron - the last village on the mainland, before crossing Bardsy Sound), Aberdaron gained great importance; stopping in Aberdaron was the last opportunity for pilgrims to rest and eat before making the often dangerous crossing to the island.
If you visit Aberdaron today, the first thing you'll notice is how old and strange the village is.
Although, of course, there are modern buildings in Aberdaron, much of the village, at least, seems to be very old. The river Daron, whose mouth gives the tree its name (in Welsh, means the mouth of the river, so “Daner” means the mouth of Daron, No. 39;) crosses a simple but beautiful stone bridge that adds to the character of the village.
Y Gegin Fawr (Large Kitchen), one of the oldest buildings in the village, dates from the 13th century. It began to live as a communal kitchen, where pilgrims on the way to Bardzi stopped eating and resting, waiting for a boat across the island. Although parts of the building have been modified over the centuries, the layout of the building is still the same as it was originally.
One of the most beautiful buildings in Aberdaron is the church of St. Givin, which overlooks the sea. It has been a place of worship here since the fifth century, although the original structure would be wooden. Part of the masonry on the current St. Hughain dates back to the 11th century. The church was renamed in the 19th century, but parts of the Norman structure still stand. There are also two tombstones in the church, which were timed to the fifth fifth or early sixth century.
Church visitors enjoy an exhibition about the life and work of the famous poet R. S. Thomas, who was the vicar of St. Huin from 1967 to 1978 and whose works were often inspired by the local landscape.
The building in Aberdaron, which may surprise you, is an old post office, which is now a private home. The building looks as if it has existed for centuries; In fact, it was designed by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion, in the middle of the 20th century.
Besides the beautiful old buildings, what can you see and do in Aberdaron?
There is a beautiful beach, which is popular among families, pedestrians and water sports enthusiasts. Nearby is Porth Meudwy, where depending on the season and conditions, you can make a boat trip to Bardzi and discover the fascinating history and folklore of the island (there are many stories connecting King Arthur with this piece from the UK, including the one that his ship is wrecked at the bottom of Bardsey Sound).
Llyn Coastal Path is popular with visitors and locals; A walk along the path is one of the best ways to discover the beautiful landscape and seascape of the Llyn Peninsula, and from some parts of the path on a clear day you can even see the Wicklow Mosque in Ireland.
Wildlife observation is a popular activity in the area. The sea here is home to seals, porpoises and dolphins, and you can easily lose yourself in a few hours, watching the water, waiting for these wonderful animals to appear. Watch the sky; There are many species of birds that can be seen, for example, dead ends, Manx and chough shearing water.
Visiting Aberdaron, in spite of all its modern amenities, such as tramways, electricity, telephones, etc., seems like a retreat in time. The world may have switched to technology, but in traditional fishing villages such as Aberdaron, time remains for those who are ready to stand still and absorb all the character that has been left for thousands of years. It is worth loving everyone who visits.
