My love for medieval castles of Europe continues unabated as I bring you another one of my favorites. The castle of Cardiff is my next target as I rush through two millennia worth of history during my visit. The Cardiff Castle is one of the oldest castles to dot the beautiful countryside of Wales. The first vestiges of the castle were laid during the Roman Empire. The last owners of the castle were the Bute family who later transferred ownership to Cardiff city. There is a magical feel standing on top of the Keep and visualizing Wales in all directions.
The history of Cardiff Castle
The Castle is located at the center of the city and we took our cab to the entrance. We get our tickets from the counter and move into the majestic grounds of the castle. The tickets cost GBP 12.5 with an additional cost of GBP 3.25 for the official tour. The magnanimity of the history weighs upon us as we walk along the graveled path to the entrance of the castle. The first of the Romans arrived here during the first century during the conquest of South Wales. Their vestiges can be found in the Roman walls which were discovered much later.
The Normans were the next major dynasty to lay claim to the throne. The period from the 11th to the 13th century is depicted by a huge keep that stands bang right in the middle of the castle. There are a few stone steps that lead up into the stone walled keep. These steps are much higher than normal, being made for a generation of Roman descendants way taller than us. Although some parts of the keep have been destroyed over the years, the viewing platform on the top gives you a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Welsh countryside.
Victorian Era to World War II
The castle’s famous furnishings are from the Victorian Era. The house tour takes you through this richly decorated castle rooms. The murals and the wooden furnishings will take you right back to the medieval age. A modern twist to an age old castle is always an interesting aspect. The Cardiff Castle stood as a rock during the Nazi bombing raids protecting its inhabitants within. The bomb shelters located in the bowels of this fort are adorned with mahogany wood shelves storing all the requirements of the day.
Clock Tower on the Cardiff Castle
While venturing around the castle, do not miss out on the clock tower. The clock tower houses the most opulent of rooms. The carpets, furnishings and the wooden bookshelves of the Winter and Summer Smoking rooms are spellbinding. The thick stone walls of the Cardiff Castle and the lush green lawns make it one of the most beautiful forts to visit.
Do tell us about your favourite fort in the comments below.
Image Credits: © Crown copyright (2016) Visit Wales
