Historic Buildings and Gardens

Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 2AY

Tel: 01286 677617

Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales' 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 1. 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 palace.

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. Standing at the mouth ot 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 emphasised 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 towered gatehouse and with imaginative exhibitions located within the towers.

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