People have known some places as sacred places for thousands of centuries and built dolmens, stone circles and standing stones to mark the special places. On these sites they felt close to their god or gods. Later, Christians began to erect special buildings in order to praise God, e.g. cells, churches, chapels, cathedrals, and create a focal point for believers to worship, join in celebrations and feel part of the community.

Many Christian churches and chapels in Wales are now vacant and used for other purposes, e.g. garage, carpet shop, home, pub. Others are used by other religions. A chapel in Llandudno Junction is used as a mosque and a synagogue in Swansea was converted into a chapel. But in modern society and its 24-hour cities, the need for quiet places of worship remains and chapels can often be found in hospitals, airports or shopping centres, while others seek God in the open.