Bangor, Wales Attractions

At Bethesda (4mi/6km southeast of Bangor in the Ogwen valley) the visitor will find the vast Penrhyn Quarries. They are cut about 1,000ft/305m deep into the mountain, where slate of all different colors is mined, some of which is turned into souvenirs and jewelry.

It is well worth while climbing the Carnedds, two mountains near Bethesda which are named after two Welsh brothers: Carnedd Llewelyn (3,484ft/1062m) and Carnedd Dafydd (3426ft/1044m). From these peaks there is a breathtaking view of Snowdownia.

The tiny cathedral was probably founded by Deiniol, the first bishop, in 548. Three earlier churches on the site were destroyed in 1071 by the Normans, in 1282 by Edward I and in 1404 by the Welsh rebel leader, Owain Glyndwyr (1359-1416). The choir was rebuilt about 1496 and the rest of the church in the early 16th century, but the whole building was restored about 1870 by Gilbert Scott. The chapterhouse contains interesting old books and manuscripts.

Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery displays old Welsh furniture and costumes, and documents from the 17th-19th C dealing with local history.