Description of the attraction
Cardiff Castle is located in the center of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The first fortresses were built on this hill by the Romans in the 1st century AD. Remains of Roman masonry are still visible at the base of the castle walls. At the end of the 11th century, after the conquest of Britain by William, a Norman castle was built here. It consisted of an inner and outer courtyard separated by a high stone wall. The very first citadel on the hill was built by Robert Fitzhammon, Lord of Gloucester. Most likely, it was made of wood, like most of the fortifications of that time.
Over its long history, the castle has changed many owners - these are the earls of Gloucester, and the barons de Clare, and the Despensers, and the Beauchans, and the Neville. In 1766, as part of the dowry, the castle passed to Lord Bute, and since then belongs to this family. It was the second Marquis of Bute that Cardiff owes its transformation from a modest fishing village to the world's largest coal port. The castle is inherited by his son, the third Marquis of Bute, who, according to some estimates, in 1860 was the richest man in the world. In 1866, he hired the architect William Burgess to rebuild the castle's living quarters. Inside the Gothic towers, he creates luxurious, lush interiors. Frescoes, stained glass windows, marble, gilding and carved wood create the interior decoration of the premises, each with its own theme. Here you can find Mediterranean gardens and halls in Italian or Arabic style.
In 1947, the 5th Marquis of Bute handed the castle over to the City of Cardiff. Now there is a museum, concerts and festivals are held on the territory of the castle. There is a Historical Club at the castle, educational work for children and adults is carried out, and knightly tournaments are organized.
The castle has become a symbol not only of the city of Cardiff, but of the whole of Wales.
