Valle Crucis (Valley of the Cross) takes its name from from Eliseg's Pillar nearby, which would already have stood for nearly four centuries when the abbey was established in 1201. The new foundation was a Cistercian house, a 'daughter' of Strata Marcella, near Welshpool; its patron was Madog ap Gruffudd Maelor, ruler of northern Powys. So that the abbey could enjoy solitude required by the order, the existing settlement of Llangwestl was removed to Stansty, north-west of Wrexham.
Like all Cistercian Abbeys, it is situated in an incredibly peaceful location, at the foot of the Horseshoe Pass, just outside Llangollen.
It is unusual, in the fact that one wing still remains intact. Apparently, this was because when the Abbey was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the local lord asked if he could keep this part intact to use as a farm building.
(below) the impressive west front with the beautiful tracery of the rose window is the first thing you see as you approach the abbey.
(below) the east end wall, overlooking the last remaining monastic fish pond in Wales.
(below) the exterior of the East range - this was the part that was left standing at the request of the local lord.
(below) the interior of the chapter house.
(below) the western end of the nave.
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