Discover the hidden secrets of Wales’s castles and fortified buildings, once the homes of kings, princes and nobles. From grand fortresses to stout manor houses, they all reveal fascinating insights into medieval life. Lending new meaning to the phrase ‘keep your enemies close’; many of these locations are so closely connected with their neighbours that it’s hard to believe they were built as defensive strongholds. Whatever their history, however, these magical structures offer visitors a fascinating insight into past lives and are well worth a visit in any season.
Cardiff Castle
The largest inhabited castle in the world, Cardiff Castle was once home to the powerful Earls of Gloucester and the seat of government for Norman Wales. Constructed between 1081 and 1093 by Robert Fitzhamon, the first Norman Earl of Gloucester, the castle is a fantastic example of Norman architecture and design. The most distinctive feature of the building is the Great Tower, which is the oldest predominantly stone structure in Wales. With its thick walls, spiral staircase and two-storey design, it’s easy to see how the castle proved such an effective defensive structure. The castle is also famous for its many ghosts, the first of which is believed to be Robert Fitzhamon, who reportedly roams the Great Hall.
Caerphilly Castle
The most complete Welsh castle in existence, Caerphilly Castle is the proud setting of Wales’s longest siege. Designed by the formidable Rhys ap Gruffydd in 1289, it took a full 14 years for his enemies to successfully conquer the formidable structure. Despite its extensive history, the castle is famous today for its impressive architecture, with the Great Hall being the most significant architectural feature. Built in the 16th century, the Hall is famous for its beautiful wooden roof, which was created using the famous Celtic ‘Wild Pig’ Pattern. The castle is also home to the ‘Black Lady’, a notorious apparition that is believed to be the wife of the 4th Earl of Plymouth, who died in mysterious circumstances in the castle in 1679.
Caernarfon Castle
The jewel in the crown of Welsh castles, Caernarfon Castle is one of the most impressive and well-preserved fortresses in Great Britain. Built by Edward I between 1283 and 1328, the castle is an incredible example of medieval architecture, with many of its original features still intact. The most impressive of these is the famous gatehouse, which was constructed using the ‘Head to Heel’ construction method and was the tallest structure in Britain until the 19th century. The castle is also famous for its appearance in the opening credits of the TV show ‘Dr Who’, where it stood in for the surface of the planet Venus. Sadly, from 2020 the castle will be closed for renovation, but many of its beautiful features will remain on display in the town’s Gaerwen Harbor.
Carew Castle
The first of three Welsh castles built on the same site, Carew Castle was constructed as a small, rectangular fortification around 1100. It was later expanded by the Norman Earl of Pembroke, and again by the formidable Welsh rebel Rhys ap Morys in 1327. The castle was finally demolished in 1462, although it remains one of the most well-preserved medieval sites in Wales today. The keep, the tower where the lord of the castle would live, is the most significant feature of the site and was built in the late 13th century. It still stands at a towering height of 17m, offering visitors a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside. The castle is also home to a Welsh dragon, which was carved by local craftsman John Charles in the early 19th century.
Bryn Celli Ddu
One of Wales’s most famous ancient sites, Bryn Celli Ddu was built around 4,500 years ago. Sitting atop the Llyn Peninsula, the dolmen was once used as a tomb for the Welsh aristocracy and is one of the few remaining examples of this practice in Wales. The dolmen is also believed to have been used as a place of worship and is visible for miles around. The site was first discovered in 1879 and has since been declared a scheduled monument by Cadw. It is thought that the dolmen was originally covered with a mound of stones, which has long since been removed.
Conwy Castle
The most popular attraction in North Wales, Conwy Castle is one of the most impressive medieval structures in Great Britain. The castle was built between 1283 and 1295 by Edward I as part of his ‘Iron Ring’ of fortresses and was designed to keep the Welsh under control. It was the last Welsh stronghold to fall to the English, finally succumbing in 1283 after a 6-year siege. Today, the castle is a hugely important tourist site, offering visitors the chance to explore the castle’s many indoor and outdoor features. The most significant landmark at the castle is the ‘Great Gatehouse’, a towering gatehouse that was constructed using the ‘Head to Heel’ method.
Strata Florida Abbey
The home of the formidable Margam Abbey, Strata Florida Abbey is a beautiful example of a fortified manor house. Designed to protect a nearby leat (aqueduct), the house was first built in the 15th century and was home to fierce and powerful Welsh Princes. The house was extended several times and was last inhabited in the 18th century. The most significant feature of the house is its impressive defensive wall, which was built in the 14th century to protect the Abbey from fierce border raids. The wall is the longest in Wales and retains many of its original features. It is also one of the best preserved medieval walled gardens in Wales, making it well worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of history.
Castles and Monuments
Ancient Monuments in Wales, including Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Carew Castle, Bryn Celli Ddu, Conwy Castle, and Strata Florida Abbey are the best places to learn about the history and heritage of Wales. These castles and fortified buildings were once the homes of kings, princes and nobles. They reveal fascinating insights into medieval life and are well worth a visit in any season. If you are looking for a spectacular and exciting way to explore Wales’s historical heritage, a visit to one of these castles is highly recommended. You’ll be rewarded with a fascinating insight into the past, and you might even come away with a few ghost stories of your own. The castles and monuments featured in this article represent just a fraction of the castles and monuments that exist in Wales. If you are visiting the country, you will find that there are several castles and monuments that you can visit, and many of them are close to each other.