Tintern Abbey

As we drove through Wales on our way back to Oxford, we stopped at Tintern Abbey.  It's another Cistercian abbey, founded in the 12th century, fell to ruin after Henry VIII dissolution of monasteries... similar to Jerpoint Abbey in my last post.  Tintern Abbey is much bigger in scale, though, so the ruins are all the more impressive.  See how tiny we look in the second picture!

It's situated on the River Wye, and the steep, forested slope to the river valley provides a very scenic backdrop.  Wandering though the sunlit cathedral and monks' quarters was very peaceful and serene.  The light-filled space would have looked much different, though, with a roof and intact walls!