The St. Mary’s Parish Church in Wales was crowned the “best place on Earth” by a massive global community poll on Reddit.
The 13th-century Welsh church is located in Beddgelert, a slate-and-stone village inside Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
Reverend Kim Williams told the BBC, “I might be biased saying this, but it definitely deserved to win. “We are always pleased to welcome visitors who come to enjoy the village, the landscape and the church.”
The challenge on the online forum saw users start with a map of the globe, and vote out the “worst” half of it, until only a tiny square remained.
The competition started with a full world map. Users eliminated half the globe each round for 29 rounds until only St. Mary’s Church was left standing. Voters called the church “a gorgeous place”, with one saying they had “already booked” a ticket to visit.
The church is known for being the site of Gelert’s grave, the resting place of a devoted dog.
Legend tells that Prince Llywelyn returned from battle to discover his baby son missing, and hunting dog Gelert covered in blood. Believing Gelert had hurt the baby, the prince killed the dog, only to later find the baby lying unharmed next to a bloodied wolf which Gelert had attacked in defence.
People can find Gelert’s grave a short walk from the church.
Nestled in a mountain valley, the small village has fewer than 1,000 residents.
The Welsh Highland Railway travels through the village on its route between Caernarfon and Porthmadog. It is known for its stone cottages, river views and access to popular trails to spots such as Aberglaslyn Pass.
(Agencies; Picture Courtesy: Alamy)
