Once known as the longest place name in the world, Llanfair PG (for short) is not actually the longest place name in the world – but is definitely one of the world’s top three.
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Visit Llanfair PG in Wales
Llanfair PG is found in Anglesey, Wales in the United Kingdom and has 58 characters in its full name: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch which means “St Mary’s Church in a hollow of white hazel near the swirling whirlpool of the church of St Tysilio with a red cave.”
One of the most popular sights here is the train station’s sign – spelling out the town name in full with the phonetic pronunciation appearing beneath. Nearby, you can find Llanfair PG’s Visitors’ Centre where you can buy local goods, have a taste of local Welsh meads, or get your passport stamped.
Legit or publicity stunt?
Although many Welsh town names are created by the description of the town like Llanfynydd (for short) or Llanhyfryddawelllehynafolybarcudprind-anfygythiadtrienusyrhafnauole, meaning “a quiet beautiful village; a historic place with rare kite under threat from wretched blades” – Llanfair PG and Llanfynydd were actually contrived so that they would become popular destinations in Wales and the U.K. to draw visitors.
The longest place name
The longest place name in the world goes to a hill in New Zealand: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateahaumaitawhitiurehaeaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu which means “The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his nose flute to his loved one” in the Maori language.