Did you know that there exists an Italian inspired village in gogledd Cymru (north Wales)? Yes, it really exists and, no, the weather is probably not quite as stunning (though the scenery most certainly is).
What is the Italian Inspired Welsh Village?
Portmeirion, Gwynedd, is certainly a unique looking village in that, as can be seen in the images, it is unusually inspired by the architecture of the Mediterranean. More precisely, it is a copy of the Italian village of Portofino, Genoa.
It was designed by Welsh architect Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis in the 1920s, after he acquired the land in 1925. The village would go on to become a hot tourist destination and even featured in the 1976 Doctor Who story “The Masque of Mandragora”, starring Tom Baker (the Fourth Doctor).
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DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – December 2025
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.