description St Govan's Overview
A tiny medieval chapel built directly into limestone cliffs near Bosherston, Pembrokeshire, Wales, considered one of the smallest ancient chapels in Britain.
insights Ranking position
St Govan's ranks #21 of 223 in the Cove ranking, behind Glassilaun Beach, ahead of Cinnamon Bay.
help St Govan's FAQ
Where exactly is St Govan's Chapel located?
St Govan's Chapel is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, built directly into the steep limestone cliffs of the St Govan's Head. It sits within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Castlemartin Ministry of Defence firing range.
Who was St Govan, and what is the history of the chapel?
St Govan was reportedly a 6th-century hermit and monk who lived in the area to escape pirates. The current chapel structure visible today dates back to the 13th or 14th century, built into the cleft of the cliff where Govan was believed to have hidden.
How do you get down to St Govan's Chapel?
Visitors reach the chapel by descending a steep, uneven flight of about 50 stone steps carved into the cliff face. According to local legend, the exact number of steps changes every time you walk up or down them.
Can you visit St Govan's Chapel year-round?
Yes, the chapel is generally open to the public year-round, but access is sometimes restricted because it is located within an active military range (Castlemartin). It is highly recommended to check the Ministry of Defence's red flag firing times before visiting.
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