A tiny church nestled in a picturesque Welsh village has captured global attention after being voted the 'best place on Earth' in an online Reddit poll. St Mary's Church in Beddgelert, located in the heart of Gwynedd within Eryri National Park—also known as Snowdonia—sits in a peaceful setting with a stunning mountain backdrop. The unexpected online accolade has introduced the village to thousands of people around the world.
Reddit's 'Terrible Maps' Subreddit
The vote took place on Reddit's 'Terrible Maps' subreddit, a popular online community with more than 30,000 weekly visitors. As the poll gathered pace, Beddgelert's church emerged as the overall winner after 29 rounds, attracting praise from users across the globe. One Reddit user described Beddgelert as 'a gorgeous place,' while another called the church 'beautiful,' adding that it was 'no wonder it won,' according to BBC reports.
Reverend Kim Williams' Reaction
The result came as no surprise to the church's Reverend Kim Williams, who 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.'
A Church Steeped in History
The church has stood at the heart of the community for centuries, with historians believing there has been a place of worship on the site since medieval times. According to the National Churches Trust: 'It's thought that a Celtic clas (religious settlement) was established here in the 7th century. It was still an independent community when the monk chronicler Gerallt Gymro (Giraldus Cambrensis) visited c.1216. Shortly after his visit, the church was rebuilt for its new role as a priory church under the patronage of Prince Llywelyn Fawr (Llywelyn the Great).'
The Legend of Gelert
The prince is associated with Gelert, his faithful hunting dog, which became one of Wales' most famous folktales. According to the legend, the dog was killed by his master Llywelyn in the 13th century when the prince returned from hunting to find his baby son missing and Gelert covered in blood—and killed the dog believing he had killed the child. However, Llywelyn then discovered the baby unharmed beside the body of a wolf Gelert had slain. Beddgelert has a landmark dedicated to this dog, Gelert's grave, located a short walk from the church.
From Priory to Parish Church
The National Churches Trust adds: 'This church was once part of an Augustinian priory. In the 16th century, King Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of monasteries, and the building became the main church of a parish which covered a large chunk of Snowdonia, including the summit of Snowdon.'
Beddgelert Village Today
With just 460 residents, Beddgelert is famous for its riverside setting, traditional stone cottages, and spectacular scenery. Today, visitors come not only for the history and legend but also for the walking trails, dramatic landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere that make Beddgelert one of the most picturesque destinations in Eryri National Park. The church is usually open during daytime.
