Historical sites throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf are opening their doors free of charge in a special country-wide event to raise awareness of local heritage.

As part of the European Heritage Days programme, Rhondda CynonTaf Council in partnership with Civic Trust Wales and local history societies are offering local people and visitors the opportunity to discover more about the history of the area throughout the month of September.

The Open Doors scheme is Wales’s biggest celebration of architectural heritage and sites throughout the county borough are taking part.

During every weekend September, the Rhondda Heritage Park in Trehafod, will open its doors to visitors free of charge – including complimentary underground tours.

Tours are available at 10am, 12noon and 2pm and visitors are advised to pre-book as places are limited. Please telephone 01443 682036 for bookings.

On September 18th the public can take a walk around historic Aberdare led by Cynon Valley History Society. The event starts 10am at Cynon Valley Museum & Gallery.

History-lovers can enjoy a walk of the county borough’s famous town of Pontypridd on September 21st and 22nd. Museum curator Brian Davies will lead a walk around the town daily at 3pm from the Museum and includes visits to St Catherine’s Church, the historic Council Offices and Mayor’s Parlour.

On September 25th historian J. Barry Davies will lead a walk through the ancient hilltop town of Llantrisant, starting in the historic Guildhall at 11am and including a visit to the parish church.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism Cllr Robert Bevan said: “Our county borough is filled with some very fine architecturally historic buildings and this is a superb opportunity for visitors and residents alike to enjoy the opportunity of visiting them while under the guidance of some of our foremost historians.

“As a local authority, we take great pride in our heritage as seen in the recent placing of 30 Blue Plaques to mark historic events, individuals and places as yet unrecognized for their celebrated past.

“The Open Doors scheme is being supported by us all because it allows individuals the chance to look inside buildings that aren’t always accessible to the public. I hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity and learns more about the fine landmarks that surround us all.”

Further details on all the above and churches that are open in the area can be found at www.civictrustwales.org/ehd. Click on South East Wales and then Rhondda.

Alternatively visit www.heritagetrailsrct.co.uk and go to Events.