10 May 2006
Business leaders in Llangollen are hoping for a tourism spin-off from the literary blockbuster turned film, The Da Vinci Code.
The big screen version of Dan Brown's best-selling novel is expected to follow it as a global success.
One local legend suggests Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail to nearby Dinas Brân Castle for safe-keeping in the First Century.
Llangollen Enterprise said such legends can have positive tourism benefits.
Brown's controversial story claims that Jesus Christ had a child with Mary Magdalene and that a conspiracy surrounded the Holy Grail mythology.
It follows the adventures of American Robert Langdon and his quest to solve the mystery of the Holy Grail.
Some towns and cities have seized upon the chance to capitalise on the explosion of interest expected to be generated by the movie's release in the UK on 19 May.
Tours of 15th Century Rosslyn Chapel - where some filming took place near Edinburgh - have even been offered by holiday companies.
Although Llangollen has no mention in the book, or link to the film, one local author is convinced the Denbighshire town is connected to the Grail.
Steve Blake, author of the Arthurian book The Keys to Avalon says there is evidence from modern Grail myths that Joseph of Arimathea was in north Wales.
He said: "These Grail romances actually state that Joseph of Arimathea landed in Nor Gales, which is North Wales, and was captured by the King of the region Crudel.
"On being rescued by Avalwch, after whom Avalon is reputedly named after, he travelled to Castle Corbenic where the Holy Grail was kept for safe keeping.
"Corbenic is French for crow or raven which, when translated back into Welsh becomes Castell Dinas Brân, the spectacular ruins which overlooks the town of Llangollen."
'Enduring story'
Mr Blake also claims there are strong links between the Knights Templar - the men sworn to protect the secret of the Grail - and Llangollen.
He claims there are Templar Knights buried in the royal enclosure with Prince Madog of Dinas Bran Castle, whose own grave apparently bears very strong Templar symbolism.
He added: "Some of these Templar grave slabs even found there way into the structure of Llangollen Bridge and were visible until major alterations to the structure were undertaken in the late Middle Ages."
Judith Dodd, chair of Llangollen Enterprise, is keen to promote the legends, which she hopes will bring tourists to the town.
She said: "These local legends can have a very far reaching effect on the future tourism marketing of the town, of this there is no doubt, and the release of the Da Vinci Code movie can only be a positive thing.
"Interest in Dinas Bran Castle is already high following some Arthurian marketing undertaken a few years ago and it is now up to the business community to take advantage of what will be even more increased fascination with this enduring story."
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