Saint Padarn's Church is one of the largest medieval churches in mid-Wales. Founded in the early sixth century it has gone through many changes, from a Welsh monastic centre, a Benedictine priory, a royal rectory, a church controlled by Chester's Vale Royal Abbey, and since 1538 a parish church under a vicar.
St Padarns is a fine, large thirteenth century church, featuring an aisless nave with transepts and central tower. It was extended around 1475 and was substantially restored in stages from 1867 to 1884 by John Pollard Seddon. Two medieval crosses are preserved within the church.
Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.
The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.
These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.