Dolgellau
Template:Infobox Wales place Dolgellau (formerly spelt Dolgelley in English) is a market town in north-west Wales, lying on the River Wnion. It is the county town of the traditional county of Merionethshire (Template:Lang-cy). Following the Local Government Act of 1972, Dolgellau became part of Gwynedd in 1974.
Originally a Roman military site, Dolgellau was the location of the last Welsh parliament, held in 1404 under Owain Glyndŵr. It later became a haven for Quakers and was also known for gold prospecting. This continues today at 'Gwynfynydd Gold Mines', one of the few sources of Welsh gold.
The surrounding area is known for its wild but beautiful countryside and places of historical interest. Popular with tourists who enjoy activities such as walking, hiking, sailing, horse riding, white water rafting and dry slope skiing.
Attractions in the town include the 13th century Cymer Abbey and nearby Cadair Idris (known as Cader Idris locally).
The Great Western Railway line from Ruabon to Llangollen was extended via Corwen and Llanuwchllyn to Dolgellau. A station was opened at Dolgellau in 1868. The line was closed in the 1960s under the Beeching Axe.
Dolgellau hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1949. Since 1992 Dolgellau has held an annual world music festival, Sesiwn Fawr (Template:Lang-en). This festival has grown to become one of Europe’s biggest world music events.
It is twinned with Guérande (Breton: Gwenrann), Brittany.
External links
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