Salem Chapel
Pentre Gwynfryn, Gwynedd
If you're Welsh, you'll know the old, eerie painting of Salem instantly.
The ancient burial ground of Llandecwyn and its Victorian small Welsh church, which replaced a much older church in the 19th century, is on an ancient neolithic/bronze age way, now part of the newly signposted Ardudwy Way long distance path.
There is an outstanding view over the Dwyryd Estuary, looking down to Portmeirion, Harlech Castle to the left, mountains and the Glaslyn Estuary to the right, Rhinog mountains to the south and Snowdonia to the north.
The church is now open again and is well worth a visit to enjoy the great quiet of the churchyard, ancient lychgate, and ancient spiritual atmosphere. St Tecwyn seems to have founded the first mission church here in the 6th century AD. The mother church for the district is St Tanwg’s in the dunes at Llandanwg about seven miles south, founded circa AD435, often open in the summer. It is a cradle of British Christianity dating back to the decade after the leaving of the Roman legions.
