Wales' secret: The longest place name in the world delights tourists!

Wales' secret: The longest place name in the world delights tourists!

There is a small but notable village in Wales called Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. With around 3,000 residents, it is not only known for its unique name, but also attracts tourists who want to snap a photo with the longest place name in the world. The name, which consists of 58 letters and 18 syllables, was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 2002 as the longest place name. The full name translates as: “St. Mary's Church in a hollow of white hazels near a fast whirlpool and the Thysilio Church near the red cave”.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll lies on the picturesque Menai Strait next to Britannia Bridge on the Isle of Anglesey. This geographical location has always characterized the village, as it was an important center for agriculture and fishing. Historical records show that settlement in this region dates back to the Neolithic period, while the Roman invasion under Gaius Suetonius Paulinus also left its mark.

Tourism and attractions

Particularly attractive to tourists is the town sign with the full name, which has proven to be a popular photo stop. Abbreviations such as “Llanfairpwll” or “Gogogoch” are common to avoid the complex name. The most famous attraction besides the train station, which also shows the full name, is the Marquess of Anglesey's Column, which offers impressive views of Anglesey and the Menai Strait.

In addition to the unique signage, visitors also enjoy the numerous attractions in the area. These include Anglesey Sea Zoo, Bryn Celli Ddu, St Tysilio’s Church and Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens. The village further expanded its tourist importance in the 19th century by introducing the long name to promote tourism.

Historical development

The history of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is rich. In the Middle Ages, only about 80 people lived here, and it was not until 1801 that the population increased to 385. According to reports, in 1844, three people owned 92% of the land in the area. In the 19th century, the construction of the Menai Suspension Bridge and Britannia Bridge boosted Anglesey's connectivity to the rest of Wales and London and contributed to the town's development.

The temperate oceanic climate ensures mild summers and cool, wet winters, making the region even more attractive. This is reflected in the climate data from 1961 to 1990. Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is famous for more than just its name. In 2020, a new species of bacteria from the village's soil was even named after him: Myxococcus llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogochensis.

Many well-known personalities have also had roots in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll in the past, including Wilfred Mitford Davies and actor Taron Egerton. With a population of 3,107 according to the 2011 census and 2,900 from the 2021 census, the village is the sixth largest settlement in Anglesey County.

Overall, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch remains a fascinating place with a history dating back to ancient times and a unique name that continues to attract tourists from all over the world. With its charming sights and rich history, it is a true gem of Wales.

The place is not only a tourist attraction, but also a living part of Welsh culture and history. Those interested can find out more at derwesten.de and Wikipedia.