Our Mother Church

Standing at the heart of the historic market town of Brecon, Brecon Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. It is both a place of worship and a living heritage site, welcoming pilgrims, visitors, and worshippers from across Wales and beyond.

The Very Rev’d Dr Paul Shackerley, Dean of Brecon

Brecon Cathedral's story stretches back over 900 years, beginning as the priory church of a Benedictine community founded in 1093. Built on the site of an earlier Celtic church, the Cathedral has been a place of Christian witness for centuries, shaped by the prayers, music, and ministry of generations.

Today, it serves as a vibrant centre of worship and mission for the diocese, offering daily services, special events, and a warm welcome to all who enter its doors.

Architectural heritage

The Cathedral is renowned for its stunning medieval architecture, from the soaring nave to the intricate stone carvings. Key highlights include the 12th-century font, the 14th-century rood screen, and the beautiful east window, a masterpiece of Victorian stained glass.

The Cathedral Close, with its historic buildings and tranquil grounds, provides a peaceful space for reflection, as well as a gateway to the surrounding Brecon Beacons National Park.