St. David's Bishop's Palace

Sheltering in a grassy hollow beneath the rooftops of Wales's smallest city is the magnificent Bishop's Palace. This was once a magnificant building which was grand and richly decorated.

Now in ruin, it still conveys the affluence and power of the medieval church. Unlike the frugal saint who founded this fountainhead of Christianity in the 6th century, the bishops of St. David's in the Middle Ages enjoyed all trappings of wealth and influence.

No expense was spared in creating a residence fit for a major figure of both Church and State. The worldly lifestyle of the medieval bishop is reflected in the extravagance of the architecture, embellished throughout by lavish stone carvings. Standing oppposite the cathedral in Cathedral Close it was host to many pilgrims who came to worship at the holy place.

The Bishop's Palace houses two fascinating exhibitions which show how life would have been like in the palace and the Lords of the palace. There are also various special events held throughout the year.

The Palace as it now stands, was largely the work of Bishop Henry de Gower (1328-1347), who was renowned for his lavish buildings. He built the great hall, its finest single feature, and created the distinctive arcaded parapets so characteristic of his richly decorative approach.