Margam Castle Daguerreotype (1841-03-09) by Jones, Calvert RichardThe National Library of Wales
Wales has more castle per square mile than any other nation in the world. The castles are the lasting legacy of centuries of warfare and oppression and have been the subject of many hundreds of artworks over the years.
General view of the town & castle of Caernarvon from Tut Hill (12 July 1790) by John Warwick Smith (1749-1831)The National Library of Wales
Caernarfon Castle is probably the most impressive of Wales's castles. It was built by Edward I, King of England, at the end of the 13th century to consolidate his conquest of Gwynedd.
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Take walk down Castle Hill by clicking on the arrows
The ruins of Kidwelly Castle, from the south (12 July 1787) by John Warwick Smith (1749-1831)The National Library of Wales
Kidwelly Castle was built by the Chaworth family and earls of Lancaster between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Today there is also a memorial to Princess Gwenllian who died in battle nearby in 1136.
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Walk around Castle Road
Conway Castle (c. 1880) by William Webb (1790-1856)The National Library of Wales
On the banks of the river Conwy stands another castle built by Edward I of England. Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris are all part of an "iron ring" of the Castles built by Edward I.
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Take a walk up to the castle
Dolbadarn Castle (1799-1800) by J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851)The National Library of Wales
Dolbadarn was built by Llywelyn the Great during the 13th century and has been described as "the finest surviving example of a Welsh round tower". Other Welsh-built castles include Dolwyddelan and Dinas Brân.
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Take a virtual walk around this scenic location
