Description of the attraction
Tintagel Castle is a medieval fortress located near the village of the same name in Cornwall. The castle itself has not survived to this day, but its picturesque ruins attract many tourists, because it is closely related to the name of the legendary King Arthur. The castle is also mentioned in the legend of Tristan and Isolde. Archaeological excavations have been carried out here since the 19th century.
Archaeologists claim that people lived here already during the time of the Romans in Britain, but the existence of a Roman fort or other fortification on this site has not been confirmed. The castle appeared here only in the middle of the XIII century. It had no strategic significance, and was used only as the residence of Earl Richard. His descendants were not interested in the castle; here was the residence of the county sheriff and the prison. The castle gradually collapsed.
During the Victorian era, interest in the legend of King Arthur rekindled and the castle became a popular tourist attraction. Archaeological excavations were carried out, but only the chapel was found. Thorough excavations began only in the 30s of the XX century, but they were interrupted in 1939 by the outbreak of the Second World War.
In 1998, the so-called Artur's stone was discovered in Tintagel, which dates back to the 6th century. The inscription on the stone mentions "King Artugnu", whom many identify with the legendary King Arthur, although a significant part of archaeological scientists deny this connection.
Not far from the castle there is a cave called Merlin's cave.
The castle hosts costume shows and entertainment programs for children.
