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Bangor: The city's name derives from an ancient fortification meaning "sacred land within an enclosure of thatched hedge" and may have referred to the present site of the Cathedral, founded by St Deiniol in 456AD - making the diocese the oldest in Britain (established 70 years before Canterbury). The present building was built about seven hundred years ago and houses numerous important pieces of religious iconography, including a carving of Christ bound and leaning on a rock - this simple 16th century humanist sculpture is in sharp contrast to the restored Victorian stained windows. The Prayer-Book of Bishop Anian is an illustrated medieval text of rare quality and beauty. There is also an interesting Bible Gardens alongside the Cathedral, which has plants growing in it, which are mentioned in the Bible. Bangor is also one of the founder members of the University of Wales and is referred to affectionately as "The College on the Hill" - it has several important facilities connected to it: Theatre Gwynedd, the area's principal dramatic venue is host to numerous English and Welsh productions each year as well as hosting an annual 'Cult Film Festival': The Maes Glas Sports Centre; and the Treborth Botanical Gardens, where you can wonder through 16 hectares of gardens and woodland. The University library is also of international renown and student facilities are well developed (The Time Amser nightclub on Deiniol Road is the largest in the area and is open to the public). Until recently Bangor was home to no less than five colleges - which led to another academic nickname for the city of "The Athens of the North".
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