Cardiff Castle
This fabulous 18th Century mock medieval castle was once the lavish home of Cardiff ’s most prestigious family. Cardiff Castle is one of Wales ’ most popular tourist attractions, taking pride and place in the heart of the Welsh capital.
The Romans were the first settlers in the castle’s grounds in the first century AD. From the 12th Century it was a Norman stronghold and the original keep still stands on a bailey within the castle walls. The present castle was established by the Marquis of Bute of Scotland who virtually owned Cardiff and the coal industry that built the city.
Like nearby Castell Coch , Cardiff Castle was the majestic dream of both the owner of the castles, the Third Marquis of Bute and the architect William Burges. Both men were deeply interested in the medieval ages and the castle’s design reflects the popular gothic revival of the Victorian era.
The castle’s ornate clock tower is one of Cardiff’s most famous landmarks and was the first part of the modern castle, finished in 1872. This was added to in later years each section seemingly more elaborately designed than the previous, leaving a fabulous collection of eclectic and eccentric interiors drawing influences from the medieval to the arabesque.
There are many highlights of a tour around Cardiff Castle. The summer smoking room in the bachelor suite has a range of gems and crystal arranged to reflect the sun around the room, the grand Banqueting Hall is decorated with murals depicting the castle’s history, the children’s nursery is decorated with scenes and characters from well known children’s tales and the Arab room is breath taking with it’s lapis lazuli decorations and Islamic marble.
This attraction is included in the Great British Heritage Pass.
