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Church · Cardiff, País de Gales
Llandaff Cathedral
The medieval cathedral of Llandaff, in the former village now part of Cardiff, featuring the sculpture Majestas by Jacob Epstein on a concrete arch in the middle of the nave, rebuilt after the Second World War.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Llandaff Cathedral
The Catedral de Llandaff sits in the former city of Llandaff, now a district of Cardiff, about 3 km northwest of the centre, in a valley beside the River Taff. There has been a church on the site since the 6th century, and the present building began in 1120, combining Norman and Gothic elements. Abandoned and in ruins in the 18th century, it was restored in the 19th century, with stained glass and Pre‑Raphaelite works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris.
In 1941 a bomb destroyed the roof and part of the nave. In the rebuilding, completed in 1957, architect George Pace placed a parabolic concrete arch in the middle of the nave supporting a cylindrical organ and the sculpture Majestas, a Christ in aluminium by Jacob Epstein. The juxtaposition of medieval stone and modern intervention is the cathedral's most striking feature.
Around it lies the village of Llandaff, with a tree‑lined square, old houses, the ruins of the bishop's palace and the bell tower. The writer Roald Dahl attended the cathedral school, and a plaque marks the sweet shop that appears in his autobiographical book.
The cathedral usually has free entry with a suggested donation, and daily services. The choir sings Evensong on some days.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour, including the village.
Best time
On weekdays, between services. Evensong on some evenings allows you to hear the choir. Combine with a walk through Bute Park, which reaches Llandaff along the riverbank.
How to get there
It's about 3 km northwest of Cardiff city centre. Buses run from the centre and stop on Cardiff Road, a 5-minute walk away. On foot, via Bute Park and along the Taff, it's about a 45-minute walk.
Tip
Walk through Bute Park along the River Taff and return by bus. Notice the contrast between the medieval nave and the concrete arch with Epstein's Christ.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Llandaff Cathedral
What is the Majestas?
The aluminium sculpture of Christ by Jacob Epstein, on a concrete arch in the middle of the nave, installed during the post-Second World War rebuilding.
How to get to Llandaff?
By bus from Cardiff centre or on foot via Bute Park, about 45 minutes.
Does the cathedral charge an entry fee?
Admission is usually free, with a suggested donation. Check before you go.