About

The Shrine Church of Saint Melangell has always been a Pilgrims’ Church, and visitors come from all over the UK and around the world. There are no endowments or financial support from Church or State and visitors can contribute to the upkeep of this beautiful building and to the ministry.

The Church is found in Pennant Melangell, (Pennant means ‘head of the stream’). Pennant Melangell is a place beyond words and far from the rush of 21st century life; a place where God speaks in the silence and where all people have an opportunity to experience a sense of the Holy. The restored church is open daily for prayer and worship and welcomes all pilgrims and visitors and that you will take away a lasting sense of the peace of Christ.

The Shrine Church of Saint Melangell is a Grade 1 listed building and there has been a Christian Church here for over 1200 years. Set in a place of great beauty deep in the Berwyn Mountains, the church stands in a round churchyard, once a Bronze Age site, ringed by ancient yew trees estimated to be two thousand years old. Parts of the building date from the 12th Century though the most recent, a rebuilding of the apse on its original foundations, was completed only in 1990. The impression is still that of a simple Norman church, well loved and beautified over the years.

The church contains a fine 15th Century oak screen with carvings that tell the story of Melangell and Prince Brochwel. There are also two medieval effigies, one of which is thought to represent the saint; a Norman font, a Georgian pulpit, chandelier and commandment board, a series of stone carvings of the hare by the sculptor Meical Watts, and the mysterious Giant's Rib.

The oldest remaining features of the building from the eleventh century are the doorway and narrow lancet window in the North wall with ashlar surround.  The font dates to the twelfth century and is also thought to have been made for the original building. 

The Saint Melangell Centre

The Saint Melangell Centre is located on the opposite side of the small lane in front of the church providing a beautiful place to pause and find a quiet contemplative space. You can spend some time sitting in our garden; or making use of our day room, ‘Beudy Bach’; or spending a few peaceful nights in our Shepherd’s Hut.

The centre has an emphasis on healing and spirituality offering a place of welcome and hospitality to people of all faiths or none. It operates in a Christian context supporting people in need through reflection,  listening and pastoral care, away from the stresses and routines of every day life. 

Facilities for education, training events, retreats and quiet days provide time and space, for individuals or groups, to talk through difficulties in a constructive way, to learn and grow in understanding and deal with life’s challenges more effectively.