St Mary's Church (Swansea Minster), Central Swansea, SA13LP. Open Daily, Free Admission
Details
Accessibility:
St Mary’s Church is situated in the City centre; Disability Toilet. There is limited disability parking nearby and the Church is fully accessible throughout, with wide, flat pathways/aisles etc.
https://cadw.gov.wales/open-doors-swansea-minster
Main entrance via Wind Street has several steps - alternative level access available via side entrance (please ask stewards).
No dedicated parking on-site.
Wind Street can be busy with pedestrian traffic during daytime.
Church is located in pedestrianised area during certain hours.
Please contact the church in advance if you require accessibility information or assistance.
Brief description:
St Mary’s is a large Historic Anglican Church.
https://cadw.gov.wales/open-doors-swansea-minster
"Swansea Minster, officially known as the Church of St. Mary, stands as the city's principal Anglican church in the heart of Swansea's city centre. Located on Wind Street, this historic Grade 2-listed building dates back to the 14th century, though extensively rebuilt after World War II bombing damage.
The striking modern tower, completed in the 1960s, dominates the urban landscape, alongside contemporary glass and stone architecture. Serving as the civic church for Swansea, the Minster sits within the bustling commercial district, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a significant landmark in Wales' second-largest city. Discover the rich history spanning over 600 years, from medieval origins to postwar reconstruction.
See the striking modern tower, beautiful stained glass windows, and architectural treasures that blend ancient heritage with contemporary design."
+ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swansea_Minster
2026: "Swansea Minster (Welsh: Mystwyr Abertawe), or formally the Minster Church of St. Mary Swansea with Holy Trinity, and formerly St Mary's Church, is an Anglican Minster church in the centre of Swansea, Wales. It is considered the civic church of Swansea. It was designated as Wales' first minster church by the Church in Wales in 2024. The church is known for its architectural features, community outreach programmes, and regular worship services that cater to a diverse congregation. St Mary's has been a focal point of Swansea's religious and cultural heritage for centuries. [2]
Since its post war restoration, Swansea Minister has been beautified with a valuable collection of 20th and 21st century stained glass. These include:
- North and south chancel windows showing Evangelists and other Biblical figures, designed by Edward Liddall Armitage and manufactured by James Powell and Sons, 1958–59.[7]
- East chancel window of five lancets, showing Christ with the Four Evangelists, designed by Edward Liddall Armitage and manufactured by James Powell & Sons, 1959.[7]
- Virgin window in north wall of Lady Chapel, designed by Edward Liddall Armitage and Marjorie Walters, manufactured by James Powell & Sons, 1960.[7]
- In the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, behind the chancel, are two lancet windows glazed with abstract designs by John Piper and manufactured Patrick Reyntiens. Installed in 1965, they are positioned either side of a blue marble-effect dorsal painting also designed by Piper and painted by Peter Courtier, scenery maker at the Royal Opera House.[7]
- Kuni Kajiwara's 1981 two-light Butterfly window in north aisle, manufactured by Swansea-based Glantawe Studios.[7]
- Catrin Jones's two 1982 semi-abstract lancet windows either side of western portal, commemorating the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer.[7]
- Rodney Bender's abstract-design 1985 double lancet window in the north wall of the north aisle, which commemorates Welsh Guards killed in the Falklands War. The design for the windows was inspired by Dylan Thomas' poem 'And Death Shall have no Dominion'.[7]
- Lisa Burkl’s 1993 abstract-design window in west wall of south aisle on theme of Jacob’s Ladder. The window commemorates those who died in the Mannheim helicopter crash of 1982.[7]
- Colwyn Morris's 1994 St Valentine and St Cecilia windows in north wall of chancel, manufactured by Glantawe Studios.[7]
- John Edwards' 1999 children's window in north aisle, manufactured by Glantawe Studios.[7]
- Martin Donlin's 2001 Millennium window in west wall, entitled God Will Be Their Light, based on Revelation 22 verve 5.[7]"
Address:
11a St Mary’s Square, Swansea SA13LP
Email:
Phone:
Website:
https://swanseaminster.org.uk/
https://cadw.gov.wales/open-doors-swansea-minster
Directions:
St Mays is situated in the City centre opposite the Primark store.
https://cadw.gov.wales/open-doors-swansea-minster
"Located in Swansea city centre.
The church is situated at the junction of Wind Street and Goat Street.
Easily accessible by public transport with Swansea bus station nearby.
Limited on-street parking available; public car parks within walking distance.
Ordnance Survey Map Reference: SS 65494 93425
Directions -
By train: Swansea Railway Station - 0.3 miles / 5 minute walk via Castle Street and Wind Street.
By bus: Swansea Bus Station - 0.2 miles / 3 minute walk via The Kingsway to Wind Street. All city centre bus routes stop nearby.
By car: Follow signs for Swansea City Centre. Limited on-street parking. Nearest car parks: Parc Tawe
(SA1 2AL) or Quadrant Shopping Centre (SA1 3QG) - both 5 minute walk.
From M4: Junction 42 or 44, follow A483 to city centre, then signs for Wind Street/Castle Street area."
Opening Times:
Open daily with various services held during the week. See https://swanseaminster.org.uk/
Transport:
Swansea is very well served by buses.
https://cadw.gov.wales/open-doors-swansea-minster
2025: "The church is situated at the junction of Wind Street and Goat Street.
Easily accessible by public transport with Swansea bus station nearby."
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Amenities:
There are light refreshments available inside the Church and disability toilet and baby-changing facilities. The is a large variety of coffee shops, restaurants and takeaways in the City centre.
Travel Information
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Location
Nearest Venues
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.