Historic fortress in Welsh seaside town
Castell Caernarfon, or “Caernarfon Castle” in English, is a must-see historic site if you’re in this corner of North Wales. In fact, the whole town of Caernarfon is lovely to visit.
The town and the castle are located at the mouth of Afon Seiont, or “River Seiont”, on the southern shore of the Menai Strait. That’s the body of water that separates mainland Wales from Anglesey.
The location of the castle also echoes a Welsh-Roman myth about an Emperor who dreamt of a great fort at the mouth of a river.
Pop into the castle and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a bygone era of medieval splendour and royal grandeur. This impressive fortress is one of the world’s most remarkable examples of medieval architecture. But it also holds a significant place in Welsh and British history.
Constructed by King Edward I in the late 13th century, Caernarfon Castle was designed to symbolise English dominance over Wales. He went on to plan the birth of his son here, who became the first English Prince of Wales.
If you’re a fan of The Crown, you might remember that it was at Caernarfon that HRH Prince Charles became the Prince of Wales in the 1960s.
During your visit, you’re sure to notice how mighty this fortress is, with curtain walls and massive polygonal towers. Explore the different exhibits and take in the views of Eryri (“Snowdonia”) from the ramparts. The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum is also housed here.
The castles of Edward I – Caernarfon together with the fortresses at Beaumaris, Conwy and Harlech – make up one of Wales’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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