The church contains a 2,000-year-old Roman milestone repurposed as a gatepost in the churchyard.
A portion of the church’s stone altar slab is thought to be an ancient pre-Christian stone, possibly reused for early Christian liturgy.
The church is located on the South West Coast Path, positioned on the cliff edge between Tintagel and Bossiney Haven.
The churchyard contains the graves of several individuals who died in the wreck of the SS Iona in 1897.
The name 'Materiana' is believed to be a corruption of 'Madryn,' a 5th-century Welsh princess.
The church tower houses a ring of six bells, the oldest of which dates to the 18th century.
St Materiana's Church is a Grade I listed Anglican parish church situated on the cliffs overlooking the Celtic Sea in North Cornwall. The current building dates primarily to the 12th century, though it likely stands on the site of a 6th-century foundation dedicated to the Welsh princess St Materiana. It features a prominent Norman-style tower and contains a rare stone altar slab believed to date back to the Roman period. The interior houses a 13th-century effigy of a knight and an original Norman font. The church serves as the parish church for Tintagel and remains an active place of worship. Its remote, cliff-top location is physically separated from the main village of Tintagel, contributing to its isolated character.
The church porch framing the view of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding rugged cliffs.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the path from the village to the church is uneven and can be muddy.
Bring a windbreaker, as the exposed clifftop location experiences significant sea breezes.
Check the church noticeboard for details on current services before visiting to ensure the building is not closed for a private event.
Do not attempt to drive down the narrow track leading to the church unless you have mobility issues, as parking is extremely limited.
Maintain silence and refrain from taking photographs during active services or funerals.
