Little Italy-Corris. The Hidden Gem.

It is situated in an amazing place and seems to sit in a hidden valley. Surrounded by pine topped hills and mountain crags.

Corris lies between Dolgellau and Machynlleth (try saying that after a few beers).

Its a sharp turn in to the village of Corris if you are coming in from the A487. 

Easy to miss but there is a sign for a railway to remind you where it is.

Of a weekend you will hear the toot of the miniature railway tender that used to pull the valuable slate, from the quarry. Now lovingly restored and manned by volunteers. 

Corris slate is called monumental slate as it was used for the best jobs. 

It was used on the ill fated Titanic for its circuit boards. 

Corris is surrounded by slate quarries some you can visit and back in the day this was a working slate quarry town. 

Bridge street was lined with shops selling their wares. There was even a musical instrument shop if the old label on the harmonium still inside Capel Salem built 1868 is to be read.

As the road dips past the Corris Institute people will be sitting whiling away the hours outside the village cafe, Idris Stores, run by Rob and Hazel.

You will find a friendly welcome from all there.

Everyone says hello as they go about their business.

Just past the historic grade II listed Slaters Arms run by Mike and Charlotte you may wish to stop to have drink in the friendly pub before take a left and tackle the hill that seems to get steeper the further you climb. 

Looking back to the village of Corris the views just seem to get better as the dots of people disappear.

Just past the Corris Hostel you realise, if you check your watch, that this is like the land that time forgot. 

And the views keep getting better.

It is mystical in the rain that feeds the lichen that cover the trees as you rise even further.

When you come to a little branch in the dirt track and take the right hand it seems you are heading towards a secret garden, a fairy glen as the shadows of the pines dapple the light.

Keep going you will not be disappointed.

Suddenly you can hardly believe it, your eyes are feasted by............. an Italian village.

In miniature. 

In Corris. 

In Wales.

Florence Cathedral, in what seems like perfect replica. 

The Colosseum in perfect model size, apparently to scale.

 There's more everywhere you look there are famous Italian landmarks looking as if they have been transported from the Mediterranean to Wales.

It the most amazing sight that is more than worth the hike. 

Wear steady boots.

Looking a little bit further some of the historic landmarks in miniature need a little bit of restoration. 

The Welsh wind and rain has been pounding the magical little gem for several decades now. 

Lets hope it can be restored back to the original plan.

So just who created this wonder of the world of miniature?