Valle Crucis Abbey

Construction of Valle Crucis Abbey began around 1201 as a daughter house of Strata Marcella Abbey. The abbey was generously endowed by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor and his son Gruffydd Maelor ap Madog, both of whom found their final resting place here. Shortly after the founder's death, a fire occurred, traces of which are still visible today. Reconstruction was well underway when the abbey faced difficulties during Edward I's Welsh campaigns in 1276/77 and 1282/83. However, later compensation ensured its survival into the next century. In the 15th century, the abbey's wealth increased, although the number of monks declined after the plague in Wales. In 1537, Valle Crucis was dissolved as one of the smaller monasteries. Valuable items were moved to surrounding village churches, and the complex fell into disrepair. In the late 16th century, a part was re-inhabited, and in the 18th century, some buildings were used as a farm. In the 19th century, the ruin served as a quarry before initial excavations and preservation efforts began in the mid to late century.

Valle Crucis Abbey is located in Llangollen, in the county of Denbighshire (Sir Ddinbych), Wales, United Kingdom, at an elevation of approximately 101 m above sea level.

Today, the ruins of the abbey church and some ancillary buildings can be visited. The dormitory houses a collection of medieval sculptures, and a small exhibition provides information about the monastic life of the Cistercians. The abbey is accessible to visitors.

• Chirk Castle (castle), approx. 8.8 km away
• Erddig Hall (mansion), approx. 12.8 km away
• Ruthin Castle (castle), approx. 16.1 km away
• Denbigh Castle (ruin), approx. 26.5 km away