St Govans Chapel by ejn
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
St Govans Chapel
Perched precariously below cliffs at St Govan’s Head on the Pembrokeshire coast is the tiny 13th-century St Govan’s Chapel. Huddled among the rocks, almost at sea level, it’s only accessible by climbing down 52 steps. It was built on the site of a holy well that once attracted pilgrims. Inside the sandy-floored chapel is a simple stone altar and a small cell hewn from the rock which contains a fissure. Legend has it that this first opened to hide St Govan when he was being pursued by hoodlums. It’s said that if you make a wish while standing in the fissure it will come true, provided you don’t change your mind before you turn around. Outside the chapel there is a large rock boulder known as the Bell Rock. The legend is that St Govan was given a silver bell which was stolen by pirates from its bell tower. St Govan prayed for its return and angels retrieved it and placed it inside a rock where it would be safe. St Govan used to tap the rock which gave a note a thousand times stronger than the note of the original bell.
St Govan was born of the Hy Cinnselach clan who lived in County Wexford in Ireland. His proper name was Gobhan or Gobban, which means a smith; of Gobanniuere, the old name for Abergavenny, meaning a smithy.
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Comments (16)
Wonderful image!
Absolutely beautiful, pin sharp. Have been to Pembroke but didn't see this. I have missed out!
This is a simply stunning capture my friend.
Excellent capture and interesting history. Enjoyable viewing
Outstanding! I hope you watched the programme with the dashing young vicar re-enacting St Govan bathing nude in the sea below to calm his urges.
Wow, nice
Very beautful image !Interesting info !
great foto and story.
wow, this is a fantastic shot
Beautiful work!
Wow! What a stunning shot! I love this!
wonderful capture,well done.
Cool scene and lighting - Excellent
the natural simplicity of the church blends it so perfectly with the cliff that it surprises the eye like a rock fish or a chameleon. the depth of field seems oddly consistent in places, which adds to the sense of the surreal. oh, and yes, you definitely need to zoom.
Most beautiful and artistic. Excellent work!
You really did your magic on this one!!! Superb. Looks like the cliffside has devoured the chapel. Love it.