Cardiff Castle stands as one of Wales’ premier historical landmarks. A Medieval Castle with Gothic Revival influences, Cardiff Castle stands in the center of Cardiff city.
Diving back in time and uncovering life in Caerleon as part of the Roman Empire will take you on an amazing adventure.
St David’s Cathedral
St David’s Cathedral stands as an iconic reminder of Wales’ Christian heritage, built upon the site of Saint David’s monastery established sometime after 500 AD. Medieval monks lived a simple lifestyle including vegetarianism and rejecting use of draught animals as work horses; additionally they developed an exceptional learning culture.
Relics of Saint Bridget can be found in a shrine located behind the high altar at the cathedral, which dates back fourteen centuries and survived Viking raids while serving as the hub of academic activity throughout its existence.
Cathedral construction has changed considerably throughout its long history. Major works were conducted by Bishop Henry Gower during the 13th century. He worked on the central tower, nave and choir before building an important stone screen that Scott saw when visiting in 1853 or 4 and included one sketch as part of his Academy lectures.
Castell Coch
Castell Coch, or Red Castle, in South Wales stands out as a magical-like castle with stunning French castle-influenced architecture – an unmissable attraction that should not be missed! Castell Coch is truly unique landmark worthy of visiting.
William Burges, architect for the 3rd Marquess of Bute, designed this 19th-century castle on medieval foundations perched high above its surrounding forest. It has round towers crowned by conical roofs which give it more French than Welsh characteristics.
As a Grade I listed building, Fforest Fawr Castle is managed by Cadw, the Welsh government body. A popular tourist and local spot alike, particularly during summer, it features in numerous TV and film productions as well. Visit Fforest Fawr for some spectacular walks through nearby woodlands!
Lamphey Bishop’s Palace
Medieval times were marked by reverence for bishops, so their palaces should reflect this respect and adoration. One such palace near Pembroke served as an idyllic retreat where bishops could relax away from their duties in Church and State.
Ruins of palatial buildings date back to the thirteenth century, with remnants of an Old Hall still visible today. Henry de Gower served as Bishop of St David’s from 1328-1347 and built most of the palace.
Originally, the palace was surrounded by orchards, vegetable and herb gardens, parkland with deer grazing rights, as well as a secluded pond and mill, church granaries stables and two gatehouses. During 1642 during English Civil War Robert Devereux Earl of Essex garrisoned this palace using parliamentary troops under his command – his ghost is said to still haunt these ruins today (minus his head of course!).
Paxton’s Tower
Paxton’s Tower, perched atop a rocky promontory overlooking Llanarthney in the Towy Valley and built to an original design by Samuel Pepys Cockerell after 1805, commemorates Lord Nelson’s victories – particularly Trafalgar – as its most significant triumphant moment.
Paxton had an intriguing background. Working for the East India Company before purchasing Middleton Hall estate in Carmarthenshire and remodeling it into one of Wales’ grandest country houses with state-of-the-art piped running water and toilet facilities as well as eye-catching gardens – an innovation at that time in England – were all part of his journey.
Lamphey Bishop’s Palace and Montgomery Castle ruins are worth discovering, while for a glimpse into the future, visit Paxton’s former estate where there now stands the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
