Cardiff Castle

The origins of Cardiff Castle date back to Roman times, when a first fort was built around 55 AD. This was renewed around 75 AD and replaced around 250 AD by a third, robust stone fort, which served as protection against sea attacks until the Romans withdrew around 500 AD. Around 1091, Robert Fitzhamon, the Lord of Gloucester, erected a Norman motte. Here, Robert II, son of William the Conqueror, was later imprisoned until his death in 1134. After 1216, the castle frequently changed hands, including the Clare, Despencer, Beauchamp, Neville families, the Tudors, and the Herberts. In 1766, through marriage, it came into the possession of the Stuart family, the Marquesses of Bute. Under their patronage, particularly by the 3rd Marquess of Bute and architect William Burges, the castle was extensively transformed into a neo-Gothic fairy-tale castle in the 19th century, during which Roman military camps were also discovered. Burges created magnificent interiors such as the Chaucer Room and the Arab Room. After his death in 1881, his assistant William Frame continued the work, including the construction of the Animal Wall. In 1947, the castle was sold to the city of Cardiff for a symbolic price.

Cardiff Castle is located in the city of Cardiff, the capital of Wales in the United Kingdom, at an elevation of approximately 17 meters above sea level.

Today, Cardiff Castle is a popular tourist attraction and can be visited. It houses a regimental museum and serves as a venue for concerts, as well as sports and cultural events. Bute Park extends around the castle.

• Caerphilly Castle (ruin), approx. 10.8 km away
• Barry Castle (ruin), approx. 12.3 km away
• Roman Villa Barry (ancient buildings), approx. 13.0 km away
• Brean Down Fort (fortress), approx. 20.0 km away