St David's Cathedral

The cathedral's history begins in the 6th century with the founding of a monastery by St David. The monastic settlement long suffered from Viking raids. In 1081, William the Conqueror visited St David's shrine, likely for political reasons. After the death of the last Celtic bishop Wilfrid in 1115, St Davids was subordinated to the Archbishop of Canterbury. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the bishops focused on building the cathedral in the Norman style, making it the last major Norman church in Great Britain, even though Gothic architecture was already flourishing in England. Under Bishop Thomas Bek (from 1280), further buildings such as the Bishop's Palace and the gatehouse were erected. Bishop Henry de Gower (1328–1347) Gothicized the exterior and embellished the ensemble, which was once surrounded by a wall. After his death, the plague, the Reformation, and the English Civil War led to its decline. In the 16th century, structural reinforcements were necessary; the Bishop's Palace fell into disrepair. Only in the late 18th century did restoration efforts begin, led by architects such as John Nash and George Gilbert Scott.

St Davids Cathedral is located in the city of St Davids in the district of Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro) in Wales, United Kingdom, at an elevation of approximately 18 m above sea level.

St Davids Cathedral currently serves as an active church. Visitors can explore its impressive architecture and historical elements. Access is at the western end of the south side. Inside, the outward-leaning columns of the south aisle are striking, caused by the tower's weight, inadequate foundations, marshy ground, and an earthquake in 1248. Despite later Gothic windows, the nave is unmistakably Norman with six massive arcades and a carved wooden ceiling from the 16th century. The choir houses intricately carved choir stalls with misericords depicting scenes of rural life. In the presbytery, built under Bishop Vaughn, are St David's shrine and Edmund Tudor's sarcophagus. Numerous tombs and effigies of medieval figures can be found in the aisles.

• Angle Castle (Pele Tower) (castle), approx. 25.0 km away
• Pembroke Castle (ruin), approx. 33.1 km away
• Carew Castle (castle), approx. 36.5 km away
• Manorbier Castle (castle), approx. 41.7 km away