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Caernarvonshire and Merionethshire in northwestern Wales are areas of outstanding natural beauty. Sandy beaches along the Irish Sea coast are complemented by inland mountain landscapes of the nearby Snowdonian National Park. The Snowdon massif (elev. 3,560 feet) in Caerdnarfonshire is the highest point in all of England and Wales. The region_x0092_s largest town and commercial centre is Bangor on the Menai Strait. Home to 15,000 people, the University of Bangor is its main cultural attraction, with over 7,000 students and 17 academic departments. The University was founded in 1884 with the help of local quarrymen, who wanted a first rate school enough to contribute from their weekly wages to help build it. A long tradition of higher learning in Bangor is also evidenced by their cathedral, which evolved from a 6th century monastery. Medieval castles in towns like Caernarfon and Conwy are another feature of the region. Across the Menai Strait from Caernarfon and Bangor is the Isle of Anglesey, featuring seaside resorts, and the longest named place in the world. (Too many letters to list here, but it means: Saint Mary's church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of Saint Tysilio of the red cave _x0097_ you get the idea.) Portmeirion in the southwest county is a boon for architecture buffs. A private village and 20th century creation of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, it combines what one local guide calls ?rescued architectural follies? into a mix of building styles so intriguing as to make Portmeirion a popular set for television shows, music videos and movies.