The name of the town derives from Llan ymlith y dyfroedd, meaning "church enclosure amid the waters", i.e. between the Tywi and the Afon Brân just upstream of their confluence.

A Roman road heads across Mynydd Bach Trecastell to the south-east of Llandovery bound for the fort of Brecon Gaer.

It was almost immediately captured by the Welsh and changed hands between them and the Normans until the reign of King Edward I of England in the late 13th century.

The castle was used by King Henry IV while on a sortie into Wales, when he executed Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan in the market place.

A 16-foot-high (4.9 m) stainless-steel statue to Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan was unveiled in 2001 on the north side of Llandovery Castle, overlooking the place of his execution 600 years earlier.

He had led the army of King Henry IV on a "wild goose chase", under the pretence of leading them to a secret rebel camp and an ambush of Glyndŵr's forces.

In the small central market place stands Llandovery Town Hall (1857–1858) by the architect Richard Kyke Penson.

Behind are police cells with iron grilles; entry to the old courtroom (now a library) is via a door on the ground floor of the tower.

St Dingat's is a Grade II* listed building, and one of the largest medieval churches in Carmarthenshire.

The borough covered the central part of Llandingat parish, including St Dingat's church.

Llandovery railway station is on the Heart of Wales line, with services in the direction of Swansea and of Shrewsbury.

See also Category:People from Llandovery The Dolaucothi Gold Mines are located 10 miles (16 km) away near Pumpsaint on the A482.

Llandovery lies just north of Brecon Beacons National Park and Fforest Fawr Geopark, whose geological heritage is celebrated.

The route to the dam also passes Twm Siôn Cati's Cave at the RSPB's Dinas reserve.