Historical churches in Wales*
- Two-thirds of the Church in Wales' 1,352 churches are Listed buildings.
- 147 churches are Grade I Listed buildings (29% of all Grade 1 Listed buildings in Wales)
- Wales has six Cathedrals (all Grade I Listed)
- Church in Wales' churches attracts two million visitors each year
*Figures: The Church of Wales
Picture: The ancient Nevern Cross at St Brynach's Church in Nevern, Pembrokeshire.
The National Assembly for Wales has passed The Historic Environment (Wales) Bill, paving the way for it to be enshirined in law next month.
Once law, the Bill will make Wales the first part of the UK to give historical environment records a statutory footing, and it will stop land managers and planning authorities making improper decisions about churches, ancient monuments and other sites of historic value.
Alex Glanville, head of property services for the Church in Wales, said: "We congratulate the Welsh Government on the completion of this Bill.
"The consultative and preparatory work behind it has been exemplary and we look forward to working with the Welsh Government on aspects arising from the Bill - in particular, future guidance on ecclesiastical buildings and the newly formed Welsh Places of Worship Forum."
The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism for the Welsh government, Ken Skates, said: "I am proud that in passing this Bill we are giving greater protection to our historic environment, raising awareness of its significance and supporting its sustainable management.
"Our outstanding historic sites and buildings need this protection so that they can continue to fascinate and inspire people for generations to come."