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The castle of Cardiff rises in the center of the modern Capital of Wales. Its main particularity is that in no other building of Great Britain cohabits therefore many architectonic styles of various ages. The construction is the combination of a Roman fort, a classic Norman fortress " Motte-and-Bailey " and of the gothic-Victorian restoration operated in the half of the nineteenth century.
As already said the original nucleus of the castle was a work of the Roman legions, that at the half of the first century DC, during their first attack to South Wales, constructed here a wooden fort . Towards the end of the third century the existing
"castrum" was reconstructed in masonry . Still today the structure of the fencing is the original one, covering approximately ten hectares, of which are still visible the foundations sited in the basements of the medieval castle. During the Norman invasion was William the Conqueror who chose Cardiff like an ideal center for building its castle in the heart of
Glamorgan. The construction started in the year 1081 with the elevation of an earthwork inside the ancient circle of the Roman walls, on which was erected a wooden "keep".
In 1867 the third marquis, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, started a
complete restoration of the complex given the works direction to the
architect William Burges. The two men were large estimators of the
medieval age and entirety succeeded to create a splendid recalling of
the feudal past, and quite brought back to the light the Roman ruins. Perhaps in putting in work their dreams in the inner halls of the part of the castle known as "The Palace " exaggerated in extravagance (it seem also thanks to the smoke of opium!): the walls abound of fantastic murals with historical and mitological figures, the fireplaces are rich of sculptures and the "Arabic room" is equipped with a vaulted stone ceiling decorated with gold images of a leaf.
Cardiff Castle's extravagant rooms are themed. Astrological and Biblical themes are everywhere. The 15th century Great Hall is the oldest room in the castle and relates to the son of William the Conqueror.
The Winter Smoking Room, located in the Clock Tower, is themed to time with its decor representing the seasons of the year and the days of the week. The Arab room is decorated with gold and sandalwood and parrots, one of the architect
Burges' favourite animals. Understandably, the nursery decorations represent fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The bedroom with its mirrored ceiling has a religious theme. Marble fireplaces adorn many of the
rooms. Quite a hanging garden was created. The wonder of the work but is considered the Clock Tower, symbol of the city. All this makes of the castle of Cardiff the more singular building of the Victorian age.
Cardiff Castle is open every day, all year round, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
March to October: 9.00am to 6 pm (last tour/entry 5pm)
November to February: 9.30am to 5 pm (last tour and last entry 4.00pm)
Clock Tower Tours from 1st November - 29th February, 12.10pm & 2.30pm
Admission Prices:
Grounds and Full Guided Tour of the apartments (approximately 50 minutes):
Adults: £7.50
Children: £4.50
Senior Citizens: £5.95
Students: £5.95 (upon production of a Student Card)
Grounds only:
Adults: £3.75
Children: £2.25
Senior Citizens: £3.00.
Students: £3.00 (upon production of a Student Card)
Admission to Grounds includes Norman Keep, Military Museum, Tea Room and Gift Shop.
Clock Tower Tours (12.10pm & 2.30pm only):
Adults: £2.00
Children: £1.25
Senior Citizens: £1.50
Students: £1.50 (upon production of a Student Card)
Pre-booked group visits for 20 people or more will attract a discount. Please contact us for details and to make a booking.
Cardiff Castle, on Castle Street, Cardiff.
Telephone: 029 20 878100.
Email: cardiffcastle@cardiff.gov.uk
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