Conwy Tourist Attractions

Conwy Castle, which was built at the orders of Edward I, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. An estimated 2,000 workmen were needed for the construction of this imposing fortress, which dates from 1283-89. In 1290 Edward was besieged here by the Welsh, but was finally relieved. The castle, with its 12-15ft/3.5-4.5m thick walls and eight towers, also played an important part in later history. The Great Hall, 125ft/38m long, is now roofless, but one of the eight arches which supported the roof has been rebuilt to show the original beauty of the structure. The King's Tower contains a very beautiful oratory.Conwy Castle is considered one of Wales' most picturesque castles. It features an exhibition on Edward I and his Welsh castles.

Conwy has preserved an almost complete circuit of medieval walls, with three gates and 22 semicircular towers.

St Mary's Church, in the center of Conwy, occupies the site of an earlier Cistercian abbey and dates mainly from the 13th C. Notable features are the west doorway, a 15th C font and the monument to Nicholas Hookes, who was his father's 41st child and himself the father of 27 children.

Plas Mawr is headquarters of the "Royal Cambrian Academy of Art", a national art school formed in 1881 by local artists from Cardiff. The building itself, which dates from 1577-80, is a typical example of Elizabethan domestic architecture, with 365 windows and 52 doors. The banqueting hall, with Renaissance stucco decorations, is particularly fine.

A short distance away from Plas Mawr, on the corner of Castle Street, is the oldest house in Conwy, Aberconwy House, dating from the 15th C. Today it houses exhibitions of antiques.This three-story house is the last of the 14th C, timber-framed dwellings, currently under the care of the National Trust. The property houses the Conwy Exhibition - depicting life in the region from Roman to present times.

Conwy Suspension Bridge was completed in 1826 and designed by Thomas Telford. The tollkeepers house has been restored and refurnished.

This annual festival takes place in late July.