A Journey to the Greatest Castles of Wales

Wales is often called the land of castles: there are more than six hundred of them in this small country. Some were built by the English King Edward I to secure his rule over Wales, while others belonged to Welsh and Norman lords. Here are six castles worth seeing on your trip.

1. Cardiff Castle

The castle in the centre of the Welsh capital stands on the site of a 1st-century Roman fort. In the 11th century the Normans built a timber fortification here, followed by the stone keep that still survives. In the 19th century the Marquesses of Bute turned the castle into a lavish residence, with fantastical Gothic Revival interiors by the architect William Burges. Since 1947 the castle has belonged to the city and is open to visitors.

2. Conwy Castle

Edward I built this fortress in north Wales in 1283-1287, together with the town walls of Conwy, which have survived almost intact. Its eight massive towers and its position above the river estuary make it one of the most impressive castles in Europe. Together with Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Caerphilly Castle

The castle in the town of Caerphilly, about 12 km north of Cardiff, was begun by the Norman lord Gilbert de Clare in 1268. It is the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Great Britain after Windsor. It is surrounded by artificial lakes, and one of its towers leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

4. Caernarfon Castle

Edward I conceived Caernarfon as a royal residence and a symbol of power. The castle stands at the mouth of the River Seiont on the Menai Strait, and its polygonal towers recall the walls of Constantinople. The first English Prince of Wales was born here, and in 1969 it hosted the investiture of Prince Charles.

5. Harlech Castle

Built in 1283-1289, Harlech Castle stands on a rock above Tremadog Bay in Snowdonia National Park. In 1404 it was captured by Owain Glyndŵr, the leader of the Welsh uprising, and a long siege during the Wars of the Roses inspired the famous song "Men of Harlech". The towers offer views of the sea and the mountains of Snowdonia.

6. Raglan Castle

Raglan in east Wales was built later than most fortresses, in the 15th century, so it looks more like a grand residence than a stronghold. Its highlight is the hexagonal Great Tower surrounded by a moat. After a siege in 1646 during the Civil War the castle was partly destroyed, and today it is one of the most picturesque ruins in the country.