These sacred places

The humble architecture and rich antiquity of the ancient churches of Wales are as captivating as their settings, reveals Caroline Welch of the National Churches Trust

- Caroline Welch

AS more people choose to holiday at home and discover the beauty of Nature and culture on their doorstep, the search for alternative, mindful and immersive experiences is on the rise. Coastal retreats and Cotswolds hangouts are perhaps the obvious options and the idea of exploring Wales’s myriad spiritual spaces might not be on your radar, but it should be. Stepping into an ancient church, often the oldest building in a village, it can feel as if time has stood still.

There’s something about the atmosphere of these places that you can’t quite put your finger on. Perhaps it’s the shadows, the patina, the musty smell, the cold stone or the mysterious carvings and stained glass telling stories long forgotten. Or the knowledge that these special buildings have been here for centuries before us. These are places that ooze history—the places that time forgot, offering quiet sanctuary and an escape from the realities of the world outside.