Portmeirion: A slice of Italy in the heart of Wales
Portmeirion is a well-known tourist village located in Wales. It is primarily associated with the cult TV series "The Prisoner," which was filmed there in the 1960s.
Portmeirion is a picturesque village in Gwynedd. It is often compared to the Italian Portofino. Due to its extraordinary architecture, it attracts over 200,000 tourists annually.
This popularity is quite remarkable given that its history is surprisingly short for a place in the United Kingdom. In comparison to Portofino, an Italian town dating back to Roman times, Portmeirion's origins seem almost humorous. The village was created between 1925 and 1976, designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who was inspired by the Italian style.
Portmeirion is a place full of winding paths, fountains, forests, and beaches. The village enchants with bright, vivid colors and architectural details, inspired by the Italian style. It features a central square with a stylized design and a tower-shaped belfry.
The village boasts plenty of colorful buildings and styled cottages. The picturesque surroundings, extensive woodlands, souvenir shops, spa centers, and award-winning restaurants all encourage tourists to stay longer. To offer guests a taste of real Italy, Italian ice cream is sold at the Angel Ices cafe.
New life for playhouse
Despite the village's popularity, one of its buildings, the Playhouse, has remained empty for years. Now, there are plans to renovate it and transform it into an exhibition space that will tell tourists the story of Portmeirion.
Attractions and events
Portmeirion is not only a tourist attraction but also a place with a rich film history. The village was the filming location for the original version of the TV series "The Prisoner" from the '60s. Every year, a convention dedicated to this production is held here.
Entrance to Portmeirion is paid, with funds collected allocated to the maintenance of the village. A one-day ticket for adults costs £10 (approx. $13), and for children aged five to fifteen, £5 (approx. $6). An annual pass can be purchased for £40 for adults (approx. $52) and £25 for children (approx. $32).
Portmeirion combines the charm of Italian architecture with Welsh hospitality, offering unforgettable views of the Dwyryd estuary from the cliffside rotunda.
