Overview:

The Cardiff Castle in Cardiff, Wales in the United Kingdom, is a medieval castle and Victorian Gothic Revival mansion. It dates back more than 2,000 years, when Cardiff was known as Caerdyf. The castle is located at the heart of Cardiff City centre and is a ‘must-see’ for visitors looking to explore Cardiff’s long, colourful history. The castle has been a witness to multiple eras and cultures, having passed through a number of powerhouses since the 11th century, from the Welsh, the Marcher Lords, the English and now Welsh Assembly. The castle interiors have been attractively restored, although many of the original features are still visible. The main gateway to the castle leads into the Victorian Gothic Revival house built by the 3rd Marquess of Bute, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, in the late 19th century. It is home to the extravagant Banqueting Hall, the Dining Room, the Opulent Drawing Room and the Clock Tower. The Clock Tower is the tallest full-storied tower in the United Kingdom outside of London. From the tower, express elevators whisk visitors to the battlement terrace, offering outstanding views over the city. The castle today includes museums, cafés, art galleries, shops and beautiful gardens, making it a top attraction for locals and tourists alike. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in United-Kingdom
Prominent Features:

1. Keep: The most prominent feature of Cardiff Castle is its "keep," or the ancient, medieval fortification at the heart of the castle grounds. 2. Storyteller's Door: Cardiff Castle is also known for its distinctive door, the "Storyteller's Door" located on the west side of the castle. 3. Casemates: Constructed during the 19th century, Cardiff Castle also features a row of casemates which are sunken passages in the castle walls used for defense. 4. Clock Tower: The castle grounds also features an impressive clock tower which forms both a focal point within the castle grounds and provides visitors with an excellent view of the surrounding cityscape. 5. Curtain Wall: Cardiff Castle is surrounded by an impressive defensive curtain wall. This was constructed by Edward I, who built similar fortress structures throughout Britain in the late 13th century. 6. Gardens: Adjacent to the castle are several well-tended gardens and parks, including the Bute Park which surrounds the castle grounds and the ornate and picturesque gardens near the aptly named Castle Street. 7. Battlements: The castle has characteristic battlements and crenelations which add to its historical significance as well as its aesthetic appeal. 8. Animal Wall: One of the most unique features of the castle is the animal wall outside the keep, depicting several animals in various poses. 9. Inscriptions: The castle walls also feature several inscriptions honoring Queen Elizabeth II and other Royal family members, highlighting the importance of the castle for modern British history. 10. Funicular Railway: Installed in 1949, the castle also has a funicular railway which connects the lower part of the castle to the upper levels, allowing visitors easy access. This national monument of United-Kingdom portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Cardiff Castle has a long and distinguished history stretching back over 2,000 years and its origins can be traced back to the Romans. The earliest known fortification was a small Roman fort built on the site in the 1st century AD. This was later replaced by a larger stone fort, which acted as a base for Roman troops as they moved in and out of South Wales. In the Middle Ages, the site was home to a small wooden castle which was used by the Norman Lord of Glamorgan, Robert Fitzhamon, to protect Cardiff and the surrounding area. This castle was later replaced by a larger stone castle, built by the de Clare family between 1106–1135. It was during this period that Cardiff Castle became a major regional power and base for royal officials. By the late-15th century, the de Clares were no longer in power and the castle had become a ruin. In 1447, the castle was granted to Sir William ap Thomas (Sir William Thomas). He began to renovate and restore the medieval structures, transforming the old fortress into a comfortable manor house. In 1627, the castle was sold to Sir Leoline Jenkins and the castle underwent another transformation, becoming one of the most magnificent and opulent palatial residences in Britain. Further works were carried out by the prominent architects of the day, including John Nash, Augustus Pugin and William Burges. In 1947, the castle was bought by the Bute family and gifted to Cardiff City Council, which continues to manage the site and to open it to the public. The castle is now a major tourist attraction, popular for its historic architecture and impressive grounds. You must visit one of these historical places in United-Kingdom on your United-Kingdom tour

Interesting facts:

1. Cardiff Castle has a 1000-year history and was originally built in the 11th century. 2. The castle is built on an Iron Age fort known as a ‘garrison’ (the Welsh word for fort is caer). 3. Cardiff Castle was once home to the notorious Lord Thomas Tylford, who made a fortune out of piracy and slave trading during the 1790s. 4. The castle is home to a variety of animals such as peacocks, llamas and red pandas. 5. The castle is also home to a large collection of medieval weaponry, armor and art, as well as a maze and a butterfly house. 6. There are seven restored historic rooms including the Wallich Room, state dining room, library, chapel and the bed chambers. 7. Cardiff Castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of Jeffrey Craig, a butler who lived at the castle in the 19th century. 8. On July 3rd, 1939, the 12th Marquess of Bute hosted a Grand Ball in the castle’s Great Hall and gathered the most prominent members of Cardiff’s society. 9. During World War II, Cardiff Castle was used as an Air Raid Shelter and housed up to 1,800 people during the air raids. 10. The castle is one of the few remaining Scheduled Monuments in Cardiff and is listed as a Grade I building in terms of its historical importance. Visit one of the famous monuments of United-Kingdom with your friends and family.