A 13th-century Welsh church has been ranked the “best place on Earth”, according to a Reddit competition.
The challenge on the online forum saw users start with a map of the globe, and vote out the “worst” half of it, until only a tiny square remained. After 29 rounds, St Mary’s Church in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) won.
Situated in Beddgelert, Gwynedd, the church is known for being the site of Gelert’s grave, the resting place for a loyal dog. Legend tells that Prince Llywelyn returned from battle to discover his baby son missing, and hunting dog Gelert covered in blood. Believing Gelert had hurt the baby, he killed him, only to later find the baby lying unharmed next to a bloodied wolf which Gelert had attacked in defence.
Some historians believe the tragic tale to be a fiction, peddled by a local pub landlord who wanted to drum up trade.
Business could indeed see a spike in the modern age, thanks to the Reddit victory.
Users called the church “a gorgeous place”, with one saying they had “already booked” a ticket to visit.
Reverend Kim Williams told the BBC: “I might be biased saying this, but it definitely deserved to win. "We are always pleased to welcome visitors who come to enjoy the village, the landscape and the church."