Cardiff Castle
The Castle in the center of Cardiff stands on a site once occupied by a Roman fort; part of the Roman walls, the polygon bastions (fourth century) and the north gate have been preserved and partially restored. Cardiff Castle is really three castles in one, because in 1090 a new fortress was built on an artificial motte by Robert Fitzhamon. His successor, finding it too small, added a new range of richly decorated buildings.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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After the upheavals of the Civil War the Castle fell into disrepair. Between 1865 and 1920 the whole complex was rebuilt at vast expense but maintaining its original appearance. As well as State Apartments there is a library and a military museum.
Things to See
Banqueting Hall
Murals telling the tales of Robert the Consul greet visitors to this most important room of the castle. A spectacular fireplace is the centerpiece of the hall.
Chapel
The second Marquess of Bute used this as his dressing room until he died in the room in 1848. Of note are the Tree of Life carved on one side of the door and a fallen tree, symbolizing the frailty of life, on the other side.
Clock Tower
The door leading to this tower is watched over by a carved figure of the Devil. Visitors enter the Winter Smoking Room with its magnificently designed fire place, cut from a single block of Forest of Dean stone. Further up the tower can be found the Bachelors' Bedroom, in which the Crichton-Stuart coat-of-arms surmounted by the Crown of Scotland has been displayed on the overmantel. A series of fragmented rocks from the Bute and precious stones add a special touch in the decor of the room.
On the top floor is the Summer Smoking Room, with the figure of a chained dragon guarding the doorway. The floor is laid out in a bronze model of the world while the chandelier is a symbol of the sun.
On the top floor is the Summer Smoking Room, with the figure of a chained dragon guarding the doorway. The floor is laid out in a bronze model of the world while the chandelier is a symbol of the sun.
Entrance Hall
Stained glass windows portray Cardiff as it was in the past. A mural, over 100 yards in length, portrays Cardiffs Roman ancestry.
Herbert Tower
The main room of this tower is the Arab Room, done in a mock Moorish pattern with a gilded ceiling and cedarwood cupboards. Of prime value though is the chimney-piece of white marble and insets of lapis lazuli.
Library
Stained glass windows portray biblical themes here and fine craftmanship has been put into the paneled doors and bookcases.
Octagonal Tower
Using mainly a Scottish theme, the tower features the lion of the arms of Scotland at the floor of the staircase. Shields hang over the doors and scenes from Aesop's Fables are found in painted insets on the staircase. At the top of the tower is the Chaucer Room with its stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Canterbury Tales. Of particular interest is the oak paneling with patterns of wild flowers and inlays of mother-of-pearl.
Hours
March 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
November 1 to February 29
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Bank Holiday - Scotland (January 2)
New Year's Day (January 1)
Summer Bank Holiday - Scotland (1st Monday, August )
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
New Year's Day (January 1)
Summer Bank Holiday - Scotland (1st Monday, August )
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Disabled
No facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service