Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Central Piazza
Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Gardens, Parks and Urban Spaces
- Date of designation
- 14 January 1971
- Locality
- Portmeirion
- Community
- Penrhyndeudraeth
- Unitary authority
- Gwynedd
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 52.91358, -4.09907
- Cadw reference
- 4885
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1795 "To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most humbly inscribed by his obedient humble servant" (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales).
Cadw's description
Location
In the centre of the village and forming its focus.
History
Portmeirion was designed and laid out by the celebrated architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978) following his purchase of the estate, then called Aber Iâ, in 1926. The village evolved over several decades and was still being added to in the 1970s.
The Central Piazza was laid out in 1965, replacing a tennis court from the 1930s; Clough Williams-Ellis had already drawn up plans for `The Piazza' in 1925, though they remained unexecuted, and were extensively revised in 1963. The oriental figures were used for the filming of "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" as also the statue of Buddha (qv). originating in Siam. The fountain was brought from Venice.
Exterior
The Central Piazza occupies the main flat area in the centre of the village and consists of a formal fountain basin set within a raised and revetted terrace; this is approached by a shallow flight of cobbled steps from the lower level in front of the Gothick Pavilion (to the S). These steps are flanked by 2 urns and a balustrade, with tall Ionic columns at each end. The columns are topped by gilded oriental dancing figures. The fountain basin is rectangular with apsidal ends and has low copings; at the southern end is a circular stone fountain on a circular plinth. Raised flower beds surround the fountain basin.
Reason for designation
Listed for its significance as the main village square and fountain; one of a number of buildings and structures designed by the eminent architect and conservationist Sir Clough Williams-Ellis for his visionary Portmeirion villiage.
Group value with other listed items at Portmeirion.
Nearby in the register
- Neo-Jacobean Gateway and Adjoining Walls to the NE of the Central PiazzaGardens, Parks and Urban Spacesunder 1 mi
- GlorietteDomesticunder 1 mi
- Pond, Walls and Steps Immediately E of TrinityGardens, Parks and Urban Spacesunder 1 mi
- MermaidDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.