Pontypridd is both a community and a town in Glamorgan, Wales, in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff and is situated 12 miles (19 km) north of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff. The community of Pontypridd is the second largest in Wales, just behind Barry.
The Old Bridge, Pontypridd, dating from 1756.

The community of Pontypridd is made up of the town of Pontypridd and its suburbs and the settlements of Cilfynydd, Glyntaff, Glyncoch, Hawthorn, Rhydyfelin, Trefforest and Upper Boat and had a population of 29,781 according to census figures gathered in 2001. Pontypridd town is recorded as having a population of 2,919 as of 2001.

The "ridd" in Pontypridd is pronounced "reath" (as in the word "breathe"). Pontypridd is often abbreviated "Ponty" by local residents.

History
The name Pontypridd is from "Pont-y-tŷ-pridd" the Welsh for "bridge by the earthen house", a reference to a succession of wooden bridges that formerly spanned the River Taff at this point. Pontypridd is, however, more famous for the Old Bridge, a stone bridge across the River Taff built in 1756 by William Edwards. This bridge was the third attempted by Edwards, and at the time of its construction was the longest stone-built single Arch bridge in Europe. Rising 35 feet (11 m) above the level of the river, the bridge is a perfect segment of a circle, the chord of which is 140 feet (43 m). Notable features are three holes of differing diameters through each end of the bridge. The purpose of these was to reduce the weight of the bridge, although their aesthetically pleasing nature is a bonus. The utility of the bridge was debatable, however – the steepness of the design making it difficult to get horses and carts across it – and in 1857 a new bridge, the Victoria Bridge, paid for by public subscription, was built adjacent to the old one.

Pontypridd was known as Newbridge from shortly after the construction of what is today called the "Old Bridge" until the 1860s.

The history of Pontypridd is closely tied to the coal and iron industries. Sited as it is at the junction of the Rhondda and Taff valleys, it became an important location for the transportation of coal from the Rhondda and iron from Merthyr Tydfil, first via the Glamorganshire Canal (see image) and later via the Taff Vale Railway, to the ports at Cardiff and Barry. Because of its role in transporting coal cargo, its train platform was at one time the longest in the world.

Transport links
The town is served by Pontypridd railway station.

Media
Pontypridd has its very own community radio station GTFM, which is in partnership with the University of Glamorgan. It has local news, information and music from the last four decades, and is run by a voluntary management committee. The Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer is the local newspaper for the town.

Sport
Pontypridd is home to Pontypridd Rugby Football Club is one of Wales' most notable rugby union clubs, with a successful junior rugby sections and academy that frequently contributes players to the national team.

Pontypridd Town A.F.C. is a Welsh football club which has achieved some success in the Welsh football league.

Speedway racing was staged at Taff Vale Park in 1929 / 1930.