The Upper Swansea & Dulais Valleys
Local history sites

Craig-yNos Castle, the former estate of Adelina Patti the famous opera diva, has now been tastefully restored as a hotel and conference centre. Visitors can find out a great deal about Adelina Patti who was the worlds highest paid entertainer between 1890 and 1905.     www.craigynoscastle.com

A site dedicated to Adelina Patti the famous opera soprano, who's castle and estate at Craig-y-Nos are popular  Swansea Valley attractions.   www.opera-singer.co.uk

Julie barnett (LBIPP) is a local photographer and graphic artist with a particular interest in the industrial and social history of the area. Her website describes the comprehensive catalogue of greetings cards which she produces including the sepia range on local subjects.  www.julz.org  e-mail: admin@julz.org

The National Showcaves for Wales is a landmark tourism attraction with three separate caves to explore. The Cathedral Cave is cavernous and hosts wedding ceremonies. Dan-yr-Ogof Cave has magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, whilst the Bone Cave contains the skeletons of Roman legionaries. There is also a dinosaur park and an iron age village.  www.showcaves.co.uk   info@showcaves.co.uk

The Geology of the Abercrave Area, offers a fascinating insight into how half a billion years of evolution has created this geologically diverse region, which gave local  names to the Cambrian and Silurian eras. LLech Bridge near Abercrave is designated one of the World's top ten most important geological sites. Learn about Wale's dramatic geological past.  www.wales-hotel.co.uk/geology

The Sleeping Giant is a well known landmark in the Swansea Valley, overlooking Abercrave. The hillside known as The Cribbarth, when viewed from the A 4067 road just South of Abercrave, has the form of a sleeping giant. Legend says he will awaken and come to the aid of the people when they are in need. www.sleeping-giant.info
Powys History Project's Upper Swansea Valley,  provides an interesting record of the valley, both past and present. Adelina Patti and Craig-y-Nos Castle, the Gough Family, the iron and steel industry and the internationally appreciated Ystradgynlais Male Voice Choir are all featured in detail.  http://history.powys.org.uk/history/ystrad/swanmenu.html
   
   
 
This Swansea Valley Web-site is sponsored by Craig-y-Nos Castle, the ideal place to stay when visiting the area.  www.craigynoscastle.co.uk
Learn the meaning of Welsh place names and how to pronounce them. See our simple guide
Contact our Web-master at liveline@coelbren.fsnet.co.uk regarding site listings.  For other enquiries please contact the organisations listed above directly.