Portmeirion: Welsh village with Italian flair draws thousands
Portmeirion is a well-known tourist village in Wales. It is mainly associated with the cult TV series "The Prisoner", which was filmed here in the 1960s.
Portmeirion is a picturesque village in Gwynedd, often compared to the Italian town of Portofino and attracts over 200,000 tourists annually due to its extraordinary architecture.
This would not be so surprising if it were not for the fact that its history is remarkably short for a settlement in Great Britain. Compared to its "original," the Italian town of Portofino, which dates back to Roman times, the lineage of Portmeirion is quite amusing. The settlement was established between 1925 and 1976 based on an Italian-inspired design by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.
Portmeirion is a place full of winding paths, fountains, forests, and beaches. The village, inspired by Italian style, captivates with bright, vivid colours and architectural details. It features a stylised central square and a bell tower reminiscent of a tower.
It is full of colourful buildings and stylised cottages, and the picturesque surroundings, extensive woodlands, souvenir shops, spas, and award-winning restaurants encourage tourists to stay longer. To make guests feel as if they are in real Italy, the village even offers Italian ice cream sold at the Angel Ices café.
New life for the Playhouse
Despite the settlement's great popularity, one of its buildings, the Playhouse, has remained empty for years. Now, there are plans to refurbish it and convert 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 1960s. A convention dedicated to this production is held here every year.
Entrance to Portmeirion is paid, and the collected funds are allocated for the village's maintenance. A one-day ticket for adults costs £10 (approx. €12), and for children aged five to fifteen, £5 (€6). An annual pass can be purchased for £40 for adults (approx. €48) and £25 for children (approx. €30).
Portmeirion is a place that combines the charm of Italian architecture with Welsh hospitality, offering unforgettable views of the Dwyryd estuary from the cliff-side rotunda.
