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Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales's many castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest-and, to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder, Edward I. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal place. The castle's majestic persona is no architectural accident; it was designed to echo the walls of Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome and the dream-castle, 'the fairest that ever man saw', of Welsh myth and legend. After all these years, Caernarfon's immense strength remains undimmed.
Access:
Opening Hours: Closed 24-26 December, 1 January. Back to the top. |
Caernarfon
Castle
Standing
at the mouth of the Seiont river, the fortress (with its unique
polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour-banded masonry)
dominates the walled town also founded by Edward. Caernarfon's symbolic
status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first
English Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In 1969, the castle
gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of Prince
Charles as Prince of Wales. History comes alive at Caernarfon in
so many ways - along the lofty wall-walks, beneath the twin-towered
gatehouse and within imaginative exhibitions located within the
towers. The castle also houses the Regimental Museum of the Royal
Welch Fusiliers, Wales's oldest regiment - thanks to a substantial
grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund leading designers and craftsmen
have created the most up-to-date regimental museum in the country.
Caernarfon's position of pre-eminence in the historic rankings is
recognized in its status as a World Heritage inscribed site.
Admission
Charge: