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This gritty, dark-stoned fortress has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. The first time that visitors catch sight of the castle, commanding a rock above the Conwy Estuary and demanding as much attention as the dramatic Snowdonia skyline behind it, they know they are in the presence of a historic site which still casts a powerful spell. Conwy, constructed by the English monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of the key fortresses in his 'iron ring' of castles to contain the Welsh, was built to prompt such a humbling reaction. A distinguished historian wrote of Conwy, 'Taken as a whole, Conwy's incomparably the most magnificent of Edward I's Welsh fortresses.' In comparison to the other great Edwardian castles it is also relatively straightforward in design, a reflection of the inherent strength of its siting. There are no concentric 'walls-within-walls' here, because they were not needed. Conwy's massive military strength springs from the rock on which it stands and seems to grow naturally. Soaring curtain walls and eight huge round towers give the castle (a World Heritage Inscribed site) an intimidating presence undimmed by the passage of time. The vies from the battlements are breathtaking looking out across mountains and see and down to the cootless shell of the castle's 125ft Great Hall. And it is from these battlements that visitors can best appreciate Conwy's other great glory, its ring of town walls. Conwy is the classic walled town. Its circuit of walls, over three-quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the world. Admission Charge: Opening Hours: Closed 24-26 December, 1 January. Back to the top. |
Conwy
Castle
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