Celtic roots
People have lived in St David’s and the wider area for at least 6,000 years, with reminders of our prehistoric ancestors dotted across the landscape. Look closely and you’ll find the remains of Iron Age forts, ancient field patterns, enclosures and defensive banks.
Wales’ patron saint and a place of pilgrimage
St David is believed to have been born in AD 500 to St Non, in the area just south of the city and later baptised in Porth Clais. David had a religious upbringing and upon reaching adulthood was ordained a priest, working firstly in Wales before travelling to England, Brittany and even Jerusalem.
He founded the monastery, where St David’s Cathedral sits today, in AD 550 – although being so close to the sea meant the structure was prone to Viking attacks. The cathedral that now stands proud in the city dates back to the 12th century and is the final resting place of David himself.
He was made the patron saint of Wales in the 12th century. Pope Calixtus II stated that David’s shrine was so important that two pilgrimages to St David’s were equivalent to one to Rome and three were equivalent to one to Jerusalem.
As such, his shrine has become a popular destination with pilgrims from far and wide.