Blaenavon's Heritage

International recognition of Blaenavon’s important industrial heritage came in 2000, when the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape received World Heritage Status. During the early 19th century south Wales was one of the most significant iron and coal producing regions in the world. Nowhere in the world does a landscape shaped by the making of iron remain on such a complete scale than in Blaenavon. Blaenavon is more than just a piece of Welsh history, it belongs to the world!

Many sites around Blaenavon explore or bear testament to this rich heritage, including the World Heritage Centre, Blaenavon Ironworks, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway, the Alexander Cordell and Community Heritage Museum and, of course, Blaenavon Heritage Town, where you can see a number of important public buildings such as the Workmen’s Hall, St. Peter’s Church and the local chapels.

In addition to this, Blaenavon boasts a picturesque and dramatic mountain landscape, just waiting to be explored. There is plenty to see and do in and around the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. Come to the area and share our stories. A truly warm welcome awaits you!