The phenomenal stronghold yearns visitors in with its soaring walls, stunning keep, and captivating residences, not to mention the incredible war tunnels tucked away within the castle gates.
Assumed to be dating back to at least 50 AD, this splendid feat of architectural style cannot be skipped while planning to visit Cardiff.
A Walk Through History
Cardiff's initial Roman Castle was built around the late 50s AD on a strategic site with easy sea access. Archaeological investigations have revealed that the current site was occupied at various times by a sequence of four forts, each of varying sizes.
The hold of the Castle was constructed after the Norman conquest, utilizing the foundation of the Roman fort. The Castle went through the possession of various noble families before being passed to the Bute family in 1766.
Tunnels were built inside the castle walls during WWII to provide occupants with protection from bombings. The Castle and its grounds were given to the city of Cardiff after the 4th Heir of Bute died.
What To Explore In The Castle
In 1866, the 3rd Marquess started working with the brilliant architect William Burges on a project that would completely renovate the Castle.
He constructed magnificent and luxurious interiors within gothic spires, filled with paintings, stained-glass windows, marbles, gilded, and ornate woodwork.
Take A Walk Through The Castle Apartments
The Arab Room
The ceiling is in the 'muqarnas' design, and it is composed of wood that has been coated with gold leaf and ornately adorned. The stained-glass panes are based on Egyptian models, and each one has a crystal ball in front of it.
The walls and flooring are built of Italian marble, and William Burges' name is etched onto the chimneypiece. Lady Bute's collection of Divinities was supposed to be housed in the wall cabinets, made of exquisitely carved wood.
The Banqueting Hall
The Banqueting Chamber is the Castle's biggest hall and is located in the Castle's oldest section, dating from the fourteenth century. The hall's artwork is based on the middle ages, and the magnificent chimneypiece depicts Robert Earl of Gloucester riding forth to fight.
A massive, medieval-style engraved walnut screen, created in 1887 and constructed by Lord Bute's workshops, dominates the southern end of the room.
The Library
This room's décor is adequately literary and linguistic. Five sculpted figures stand above the hearth on the chimneypiece, each carrying a tablet with lettering in different ancient languages.
The scarlet and gold walls are adorned with putti, and each is inscribed with the initials of one of Lord Bute's favorite writers, such as Shakespeare and Molière. The classic Burges bookshelves and desks are still in the library. The furniture was designed and constructed specifically for this room.
See The Roman Chariot Corner
The Roman Chariot Corner artwork is built of concrete and plaster and painted metallic gold. The first portion portrays the early first-century Silurian hamlet lifestyle and the Silures' view of the advancing Roman navy off the southern coasts.
Following that are glimpses of workers in the arsenal, followed by the Silures assembling to ward against the intruders. A splendid Roman charioteer struggles with a pair of horses towards the far end of the scene, surrounded by children playing, pots, bread, armor, and other domestic objects, and Romans triumphantly parading their banner.
Explore The Firing Line Museum
The Royal Welsh and the 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards collaborated to create Firing Line, a distinct and revolutionary idea. Firing Line is a world-Class display celebrating nearly three decades of rich and illustrious heritage, such as the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Rorke's in 1879, and current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The guests will learn why common people are willing to accomplish exceptional feats and perform exceptional heroic acts through a combination of historical knowledge, displays, a series of contemporary history encounters, and hands-on projects.
Discover The Wartime Shelters
Not many people know that beneath the Castle's walls are bunkers that served as an air-raid refuge during WWII.
Over 1800 people were able to take shelter behind the walls, and when the hooter wailed, residents and workers in the city rushed to these shelters.
Distinct staircases were constructed so that people could swiftly obtain access to the walls. There were dorms, bunk beds, kitchens, bathrooms, and first-aid stations hidden behind the walls, according to the investigation.
Timings And Ticket Charges
- Cardiff Castle is accessible to the public all days of the week.
- Visitors can access the Castle from 10 am to 9 pm year-round.
The charges of the admission ticket are:
- Adult - £14.50
- Children (5-16 years) - £10
- Children (under 5) - Free
- Students - £12.00
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Getting There
Via Train
- Nearest Train Station: Cardiff Central Station
- It is a 10-minute walk to the Castle from the station.
Via Bus
- Nearest Bus Stop: Kingsway GA Bus stop
- It is a 4-minute walk to the Castle from the station.
The Cardiff castle dates back to Roman times, but it underwent a stunning Gothic renovation in the nineteenth century. The Castle allows tourists to marvel at the magnificent architectural style while discovering the heritage of the site. Visitors can explore underground bunkers, understand the Roman lifestyle, and hear about people's heroic deeds all at one location. It is an ideal destination for history and architectural enthusiasts.