The youngest capital in Europe, falling in love at first sight, unfortunately, is little known among Russian travelers. The ancient city of Cardiff was once one of the main industrial centers of England, and now it is a luxurious resort with many attractions for tourists.
It was not for nothing that they called him the capital of castles and the city of passages. Walking along the old streets of vibrant Cardiff, you can get acquainted with the mysterious Bopre mansion castle, visit the tower of the Umfravilles family estate, and see with your own eyes the legendary Red Castle. Morgan in Wales, Cardiff - these are the most famous and popular shopping galleries that are loved by all shopping enthusiasts. In Victorian arcade shopping malls, time runs unnoticed.
But the main attraction of the city is closely connected with its history, and not a single tourist leaves without visiting a neo-Gothic building located in the very center of the capital.
The history of the construction of the castle
Cardiff Castle is the oldest building in South Wales, open to tourists. Cardiff Castle was built on the site of a Roman fort that controlled access to the sea.
According to archaeologists, at the beginning of our era, Celtic tribes settled here. Later, the territory was captured by Roman legionaries, who built the first fortification in the middle of the III century. For two hundred years, a powerful structure protected the Roman borders from the constant raids of barbarians from the sea.
After the Norman invasion, the erected defensive fort was destroyed, and its ruins can now be seen during an exciting excursion.
The new stone fortress built on the hill in 1091 became the progenitor of the famous castle, the owners of which were the English aristocrats, including the royal Tudor dynasty. Around the fortress there are settlements that have turned into the city of Cardiff.
Restored mansion
Surrounded by a moat, the residence of noble English clans undergoes the first changes in the 12th century. Its owner erects a huge stone wall with loopholes and a barracks for soldiers. Each owner makes his own changes in the appearance of the structure, and Cardiff Castle is repeatedly rebuilt to please the new owners.
Surviving decay and rebirth, a beautiful mansion, each room of which tells about different historical eras, passes into the possession of the famous dynasty of coal magnates. Rich Buttes make Cardiff Castle the most famous city landmark.
City decoration
Being a true work of art, a mansion in a fashionable neo-Gothic style becomes an authentic decoration smoked by the industrial plants of the capital of Wales.
The wonderful Cardiff Castle, whose interiors are striking in its decoration, after the death of the fourth owner from the Butov clan, became the property of the city. Now it is a famous museum, which hosts not only tourist excursions, but also festive events for the population.
Maintained in excellent condition by local authorities, Cardiff Castle (Wales) is famous for its luxurious decoration. The abundance of light and gold colors in the rooms, the ceramics prevailing in the decorative elements, catch the eye of visitors.
Banqueting hall
The largest castle hall is made in the best European traditions. A spacious room filled with sunbeams differs from others in its complex ornament and frescoes on religious themes. A huge fireplace made of granite is crowned with a lovely copy of an old castle with tall turrets.
Arabic hall
According to the guests of the Victorian mansion , the Arab Hall is the most luxurious. It embodied the best features of Muslim culture, and even the high ceiling resembles the vault of a mosque. The elegant atmosphere is stunning with its wealth, because only high-quality materials are collected here. Openwork wooden dome with gilding, marble walls and a floor with ceramic tiles, oriental ornaments with arabesques transfer to the world of oriental tales.
Children's room
You can not ignore the colorful room, designed for hanging out the children of the owners of the castle. The walls of the room, lined with bright azure tiles with gold veins, are eye-catching. The wall ceramics with illustrations for folk ballads glorifying the glorious robber Robin Hood admire. The hall in which children's fairy tales come to life will also appeal to visitors who come from a young age.
Library
A huge collection of old books has long been recognized as the pearl of the castle, which has always attracted the attention of all tourists. Cold walls are hidden under a warm carved tree, and above the original fireplace there is a panel of unusual beauty, where the main figure is Moses, who tells about ancient languages.
Patio
Interestingly, the courtyard, which is part of the architectural ensemble, differs from the general style of the medieval castle. Fully lined with ceramic tiles depicting mythical and biblical themes, he delights all true art lovers who visited the fantastically beautiful Cardiff Castle.
A wonderful example, made in the style of Gothic Victorian era, opens its doors to all guests of the city. The symbol of Wales has long been a center of tourist pilgrimage. Keeping huge collections of historical exhibits, Cardiff Castle, a photo of which testifies to its bewitching beauty, leaves the most vivid impressions.