You already have some idea of ​​Wales. Today we will take a closer look at its sights and some traditions. Mother Nature has created a country unlike any other, full of majesty and beauty, and people have added millions of tales of druids, castles and battles. The monuments of history and traditions of Wales that have survived to this day arouse a burning interest among tourists who want to visit the places of famous battles and great events.

There is only one large city in Wales, and that is its capital, Cardiff. Being a university city, Cardiff is not very popular among tourists, because. cannot offer many tourist attractions, although it is interesting for everyone to explore its surroundings. However, the city has art galleries, museums, historical monuments, but it only takes a day or two to see everything.

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King Arthur and his knights, as well as the sorcerer Merlin, are undoubtedly the main "celebrities" of Wales. Today, the State Library houses a collection of Arthurian writings, numbering 2,000 volumes! The fame of the most prominent king of Wales was reflected literally in everything, even in the names of cities. The name Arthur itself contains the Welsh word 'arth', which means "bear". On the Gower peninsula stands Arthur's Stone, which is said to have been an obstacle in his way to participate in the Battle of Camlann in 539. The king threw a stone over his shoulder, and it fell seven miles near Reynoldston.

The most majestic castle in the entire United Kingdom, built in 1283, Caernarfon Castle, the place of awarding the title of all the princes of Wales, enjoys great popularity. There are many siege towers in the castle, which, together with the fortification ramparts of the castle, create amazing views of the surrounding area. The traces of time have left their mark on Caernarfon Castle and parts of it have been destroyed, but it is still worth seeing. The city of Caernarvon itself is a good opportunity to get into the Snowdonia National Park and see the medieval city of Conwy (Conwy) against the backdrop of the majestic mountains of Snowdonia, where the fortress of Edward I is the main attraction.

Other interesting and popular cities are Conwy, Brecknock, Hay-on-Wye and Abergaveny. Hay-on-Wye (known as the "Town of Books") is the most eccentric and strange city in Wales, while Brecknock is an old market town and Abergaveny is the gateway to Wales.

The almost legendary resorts of Wales are very popular with tourists, among which Llandudno is the most famous. It was here that the real Alice Liddell from Lewis Carroll's Alice Through the Looking-Glass spent many holidays.

The city of Blaenau Ffestiniog, once an important center for slate mining, is today famous for its railway, founded in 1832, which passes through picturesque places: through beautiful mountains, a lake and mysterious caves all the way, as well as through Snowdonia National Park, which makes traveling by train just amazing and gives tourists a lot of emotions. The city itself is also a historical site and really worth a visit.

Snowdonia National Park is the most beautiful in all of the UK. Located in North Wales, it is famous for its cliffs, thundering waterfalls and rocky peaks. In second place is the Brecknock National Park with a wide variety of landscapes from swampy terrain to mountain peaks.

Particularly notable in the British Isles is Offa's Dyke, 176 miles long, stretching along the entire border between Wales and England. According to tradition, it was built in the 8th century by Offa himself, king of Mercia, probably more to mark the border than to protect it, and in places it is replaced by rivers, forests or mountains.

Another attraction of Wales is the beautiful Cathedral of St. David in the small town of the same name, which sounds Tyddewi in Welsh. Built between 1180 and 1522 of stone, the cathedral was extensively renovated in the last century. Even today, with a shaky floor due to an earthquake, its Norman nave and the monarch's chamber are of great tourist interest, and the cathedral itself is home to an annual music festival. Also, not far from the cathedral is the Bishop's Palace, also worth a visit.

The Welsh simply adore various decorative items, and it is one of their traditions to take at least decorative spoons (lovespoons), which the Welsh simply adore. Carved spoons began to be made in the 17th century, and each design was a kind of message to the person to whom they were intended. For example, when a young man wished to show his love, he began to carve a spoon, the patterns of which symbolized his intentions towards the woman he loved. If a woman accepted the love of a boyfriend, she hung a spoon on the kitchen wall. Today, spoons are very popular and are used as decorations during celebrations such as births, christenings, weddings, anniversaries, and retirements. "A lovespoon" is a wonderful souvenir, without which no tourist leaves Wales.

One of the well-known ornaments, preserved from the time of the Druids, is a horse's head, decorated with mistletoe, ivy and colorful bells. The Celts once dressed up a horse's head on a large stick and danced around it to celebrate the end of winter, and years later the horse's head on a stick became a child's toy. Mistletoe is a special treat in Wales. Once upon a time, the Celts believed that it was a magical tree, and if you hang its branch over the door, the house will be protected from storms, and if it is above the crib, it will protect the child. Love will come to the one who enters a house smelling of mistletoe. Mistletoe is a tree that symbolizes peace, and once upon a time, enemies meeting under the mistletoe were not supposed to fight, but rather embrace. Thanks to the Welsh, the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe still exists in the world today.

No trip is complete if it does not include a trip to a local canteen or cafe to taste truly Welsh food in the best traditions - this is primarily bara brith - muffins, with dried fruits, the famous Glamorgan sausage, which is made from cheese, eggs , herbs, milk, topped with bread crumbs, Welsh rarebit (cheese toast), lamb stew, fresh seafood, wine and whiskey.

Landmarks of Wales

1. Caerphilly Castle

One of the main attractions of Wales is considered to be the Norman castle of Caerphilly, near the city of Caerphilly, in South Wales. It is the second largest castle in the UK, one of the largest in Europe and the largest in Wales.

Caerphilly Castle is known as one of the most difficult examples medieval architecture in Europe. The fortress was built by Count Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century. The most notable feature of the castle is its complex system of fortification with artificial lakes and moats that almost completely surround the castle. Acquired by the Marquess of Bute in 1776, the castle was eventually bequeathed to the state and is currently preserved as a tourist attraction. Most tours start in Cardiff, with sightseeing buses leaving every 30 minutes.

2. Cardiff Castle

Medieval castle in architectural style Victorian Neo-Gothic, Cardiff Castle, another famous landmark in Wales, it located in the very the center of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Original the castle was built at the end of the 11th century by the Normans on the remains of a Roman fort from the 3rd century, if you look closely, you can see the old Roman masonry at the base of the walls.

The castle was founded by orderWilliam the Conquerorinthe heart of Cardiff's medieval city 12th century . Cardiff Castle has repeatedly been involved in conflicts between the Anglo-Normans and the Welsh.

Festivals, concerts and costumed jousting tournaments are held on the territory of the castle.

3. Snowdonia National Park

Stretching along the west coast of Wales, Snowdonia National Park is home to some of the UK's most stunning scenery and also spans the largest peaks in England and Wales.

Wonderlandwonders of grassy hills, medieval castles and sparkling lakes, it's no wonderthat Snowdonia is a hit among the tourist destinations in Wales. Pthe arch is the largest and oldest in Wales and encompasses the great natural lake of Valais, Lake Bala,the highest waterfall in Wales and a unique narrow gauge road through the park.

4. Pembrokeshire Coast

Surrounded on three sides by water, Wales has more than an interesting coastline, but one of the most interesting places on the coast is the Pembrokeshire coast.that juts out into the Irish Sea.

The coast of Pembrokeshire is interesting for its historical castles, especially Pembroke Castle, cathedrals,as well as idyllic fishing villages like Loughhorn, perhaps most famous and where Welsh poet Dylan Thomaslived most of his life.

5. Llandudno

Nestled between the limestone headlands of Great Orme and Little Orme in North Wales, Llandudno is Wales' largest and most charming seaside resort, also known as the "King of Welsh Resorts".Built in the 1950s with money from the wealthy Mostyn family, it has all the trappings of a wealthy vacation spot.

The city boasts a unique waterfront, free from the usual seaside shops and cafes, which were wisely located behind the waterfront,to provide Victorian holidaymakers with a more relaxing holiday. The best view on the city and its environs opens from the Great Orme hill. Llandudnois a great placefrom which you can go on a tour of Wales.

Official site: www.visitllandudno.org.uk

6. Caernarfon Castle

Located in north Wales, the town of Caernarvon is best known for its 13th-century castle, considered one of the best preserved in all of Wales. Caernarvon Castle was built by the king Edward I for the first Prince of Wales, Caernarvon Castle is one of the largest in the country. With its 9 towers and two castle gates, this massive castle is recognized as one of the most impressive and well-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.

Built on the site of an even older Norman castle, Caernarvon Castle dominates the waters of the Menai on one side and is protected by a moat on the other.

7. Conwy

City of Conwy or Conwy, an ancient city steeped in history, Conwy is located in North Wales at the mouth of the River Conwy near the forests of Snowdonia. Conwy Castle dominates the cityscape and is the city's main attraction. Built in 1280 by Edward I, it has come down to our days well preserved, eight round towers and a beautiful view from the loopholes can be distinguished.

In addition to the castle, Conwy has other attractions such as the 1826 Suspension Bridge, the 1849 Railway Bridge, the Aberconwy Trading House, the only building from the 14th century, the Wynn family home from the 15th century, and the smallest house in the United Kingdom is located on the shore. .

8. St. David's Cathedral

Located in the town of St David in Pembrokeshire, St David's Cathedral is a fine example of medieval religious architecture in Wales. SaintDavid was a Welsh bishop of the Catholic Church in the 6th century, patron saint of Wales, and was buried in the cathedral.The construction of the existing cathedral was begun in the 1180s from sandstone.

The Principality of Wales is one of the four administrative parts of Great Britain. In ancient times, the commonwealth of the Celtic kingdoms was located on its territory. Architectural monuments of those times can still be found in Wales today.

Located in the south-west of Great Britain, the principality is distinguished by amazing picturesqueness and a mild, travel-friendly climate. A characteristic feature of Wales are the numerous medieval castles that appeared here in the 13th century during the establishment of English rule.

The tiny towns and villages of Wales retain the spirit of both medieval and Victorian England. Numerous national parks and gardens offer tourists the beauty of local nature and culture.

The mountain landscapes of the Principality allow for active sports such as rock climbing and mountain biking. Surfing and windsurfing are popular in the Gower Peninsula area. Popular in the UK, golf is also in demand in Wales, where there are over two hundred playing fields. Dance and song festivals are often held in the principality.

There are eighteen national restaurants in the capital of Wales - Cardiff. Local cuisine is represented by tender lamb, spicy cheeses and fresh seafood.

The best way to travel around Wales is by train. Old steam locomotives and narrow gauge trains allow you to see the Principality in all its landscape splendor.

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What to see in Wales?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

1. Powys Castle and Garden

The majestic dark pink castle of Powys, built in Wales about a thousand years ago, is famous throughout England not only for its ghost of the “Lady in Black”, but also for its picturesque Italian-style garden. Terraces carved into the rock, hedgerows, moss-covered trees, an apple orchard and a tropical greenhouse make up a worthy setting for a medieval structure.

2. St. David's Cathedral

St. Davids Cathedral was founded in 1181. The architectural appearance of the building was formed over several centuries. In the 13th century, the Cathedral of St. David suffered significant damage after an earthquake, in the middle of the 14th century, an episcopal palace was added to it, and at the beginning of the 16th century, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity appeared.

3. Park Bute

Located on the two banks of the River Tuff, the city park of the capital of Wales - Cardiff was founded in 1873 as a garden area of ​​the local castle, owned by the Marquesses of Bute. The main attractions of the park are the ruins of the monastery, the Lit mill and the local Arboretum. The recreation area is decorated with wooden, stone and metal sculptures.

4. Conwy

The northern Welsh city with a population of fifteen thousand people is rich in historical sights. It houses the medieval castle of the same name, built at the end of the 13th century by order of Edward I, the monastery of Aberconwy, residential buildings of the 14th-16th centuries and the smallest house in England, measuring 3.05 x 1.8 meters.

5. Llandudno

Founded at the end of the 13th century at the base of the Kreidin peninsula, the city in the 60s of the 19th century received the status of a seaside resort. This was facilitated by a significant restructuring of Llandudno, carried out by the architect J. Felton. At the best resort in Wales, you can not only relax, but also visit the Museum of the history of the city, as well as plunge into the fairy tale about “Alice in Wonderland” that came out from here.

6. Portmeirion Tourist Village

The original Italian-style village was created by architect C. Williams-Ellis on the site of a former foundry in the 1920s. Most of Portmeirion's buildings have an unusual 'folly' look. They mainly house hotels, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.

7. Cardiff National Museum

Founded in 1912, the Cardiff National Museum is part of the larger National Museum of Wales, opened five years earlier. Museum collections, which include exhibits of an archaeological, botanical, geological and artistic nature, are located in the Cardiff Central Library building.

8. Pontkysillte Aqueduct

Located in the northeast of Wales, the navigable aqueduct of Pontkisillte was built at the beginning of the 19th century by engineer T. Telford. It was no coincidence that Walter Scott spoke of him as “the most beautiful work of art”: the grandiose structure is still the longest and highest aqueduct in all of Great Britain.

9. Bay and beach of Rossili

The picturesque Welsh Gulf of Rossili and the beach of the same name located within its borders is one of the ten best holiday destinations in the world. Romantic rocks, clear water, hospitable people and an unusual holiday house, which was once the residence of the parish priest, make the rest here truly unforgettable.

10. Isle of Anglesey

The favorite vacation spot of Prince William and Duchess Catherine is located near the northwest coast of Wales. Anglesey is connected to the mainland by two bridges. The first people settled on the island nine thousand years ago. Traces of their stay in the form of stone monuments are still found on Anglesey today.

11. Cardiff Castle

Built about two thousand years ago on the site of the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress, the castle has long been used for city needs - at first as a fort, then as a judicial institution. Over time, Cardiff came into the use of the Marquesses of Bute. Today the castle houses the Historical and Archaeological Museum.

12. Trail along Vala Offa

The two hundred and seventy-kilometer trail that runs along the Offa Shaft, which has been the conditional border between Wales and England for about a thousand years, is an excellent entertainment for tourists who love hiking. It takes an average of eleven days to overcome it. The route runs through the picturesque Welsh landscapes.

13. St. Fagans National Historic Site

Opened in 1948 on the grounds of St. Fagans Castle, the Cardiff Open Air Museum acquaints tourists with the cultural and architectural history of Wales from the time of the ancient Celts to the present day. Here you can see round Celtic houses and medieval chapels, the building of the classic English post office and the most ordinary pigsty.

14. Cape Great Orme

Cape Great Orme rises above the city of Llandudno. You can climb it on a tram departing from the outskirts of the city; go down - by cable car or on foot. Cape Great Orme offers a picturesque view of the city embankment and the bay. On the hills there is the Museum of Local Lore and the Open Air Museum, formed on the basis of ancient mines.

15. Snowdonia National Park

One hundred lakes, ninety mountain peaks, a huge number of beaches and moorlands, located in the north of Wales, make up one huge Snowdonia National Park. The remains of Roman fortifications and medieval castles attract lovers of antiquity, mountain ranges and lakes - fans of outdoor activities.

16. Cardiff Bay

Until the Second World War, Cardiff Bay was used exclusively for industrial purposes - for the export of coal mined in the South Valley. In 1999, it was modernized and turned into an entertainment area, surrounded by a twelve-kilometer embankment with shopping malls, bars and restaurants. Water sports can be practiced in the waters of Cardiff Bay.

17. Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Lighthouses is a unique national park that includes not only natural, but also architectural sights of Wales. On its territory, located on four mountain ranges, there are mountain rivers and waterfalls, forest valleys and moorlands, tiny cities and ancient villages, Bronze Age relics and Celtic menhirs.

18. Caernarvon Castle

Built at the end of the 13th century by order of Edward I, the castle was conceived as a symbol of English rule over Wales. Massive walls, built in the shape of an irregular figure eight, and polygonal towers were crowned with statues of eagles and contained multi-colored stripes. Only the outer parts of Carnarvon have survived to this day, only the foundation has remained of the internal components.

19. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Located in the west of Wales, the National Park was opened in 1952. Today, on its territory, covered with wooded estuaries and rocky cliffs, there are several independent national and marine reserves. The beaches of Pembrokeshire Coast annually receive the most prestigious awards as the cleanest and most suitable for recreation.

20. Bodnant Garden

The family residence of Lord Aberconway was surrounded by a chic garden back in 1875. Since 1949, the flowering area has been protected by the National Trust. The upper part of the Boudnat has the appearance of Italian terraces, the lower one consists of intricate paths and thickets of exotic and European fruit and berry plants and flowers.

Wales is a region in the UK. It is located in the south-west of Great Britain and borders on England by land - in the east, and through the Bristol Bay - in the south; in the west, the Strait of St. George separates Wales from Ireland, in the north, the shores of Wales are washed by the Irish Sea. Wales also includes the island of Anglesey off the southwest coast of Great Britain.

Wales is located on a peninsula in the west of the island of Great Britain. The total area of ​​the country is about 20,799 km². The length of the country from north to south is 274 km, from west to east - 97 km. Wales is bordered on the east by England, surrounded on three sides by the sea. The total length of the coastline is more than 1,200 km. There are several islands off the coast of Wales, the largest of which is Anglesey in the northwest.

The population and industrial production are concentrated mainly in the south of Wales, in the cities of Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and surrounding areas. The northeast (Rexham area) is also relatively industrialized; the center and northwest are agricultural areas.

Most of the area of ​​Wales is occupied by mountains, especially in the north and in the center. They were formed during the last ice age, during the Devonian glaciation. The highest mountains are in Snowdonia (Yr Eryri). Mount Snowdon (1085 m above sea level) is the highest point in Wales. The mountain range in the center of Wales is called the Cumbrian Mountains. In the south are the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), relatively young compared to the Cumbrians and containing significant coal reserves. The Cambrian mountains gave their name to one of the periods of the Paleozoic - the Cambrian.

The modern frontier between England and Wales is highly arbitrary: it was broadly established in the sixteenth century, on the basis of fiefdoms. For about 64 kilometers, it follows Offa's Shaft quite closely. However, then it goes more bizarre: for example, it separates the village of Knighton in Powys from its railway station, makes the village of Church Stoke a virtual Welsh exclave in England, and passes right through the village of Llanimineh.

Approximately one fifth of the territory of Wales has the status of a National Park: rocky peaks and mirror-like surface of lakes, sandy bays and sea bays. At the foot of Mount Snowdonia, in Bryn Bras Castle, there is a park with waterfalls. The edge of the waterfalls is called the place of Vail of Neath, near the Brecon Beacons National Park.

There are more castles for every square kilometer than anywhere else in the world, from romantic ruins to majestic fortresses. The most famous castles were built during the reign of the English king Edward I, who conquered Wales in the 13th century, making up the "defensive ring": Harlech Castle, towering on a cliff in the center of Wales, Conwy Castle, located at the mouth of the river and Bowmaris Castle on the island of Anglesey and of course the most impressive castle is Caernarfon. In 1969, this castle was the venue for the formal introduction of the Queen's son Charles to the title of Prince of Wales.

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Political structure

Wales elects 18 members of the British House of Commons. The Secretary of State for Wales is one of the members of the government, endowed with broad administrative powers. He is responsible for the Welsh Office, which oversees local administration.

Wales is divided into 8 counties created by the 1972 law on the reorganization of local government. These new administrative divisions replaced 13 historic counties.

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Climate and weather in Wales

Wales is open to winds from the Atlantic Ocean, so the climate there is mainly maritime. On the western coast, up to 1270 mm of precipitation falls per year, and to the east of the mountains these figures are somewhat lower (up to 723 mm / year), and in the mountains themselves - higher (up to 2540 mm / year). The average temperature in July is 15.6°C, in January - 5.6°C.

The development of agriculture in Wales is limited due to the humid climate and the prevailing elevated terrain. The main industries are the breeding of sheep and cattle and the cultivation of fodder grasses. The moorlands are used as grazing grounds for numerous sheep, producing quality meat and coarse wool. The population of Wales is small and dispersed. In the valleys and coastal plains, sheep farming is giving way to dairy farming. Cereals and forage crops are usually grown there, and about ¼ of all arable land is used for oats, which are mainly fed to livestock. In the lower, wider parts of the valleys and on the coastal plains, mixed (non-specialized) agriculture is represented.

Photos of Wales

culture

Language and religion

The Welsh language belongs to the family of Celtic languages ​​and is very closely related to Breton and Cornish. This is one of the most ancient languages ​​in Europe, it is the VI century. n. e. In poetry, a distinctive feature of the Welsh language is a special system based on alliteration, assonance and internal rhymes. The translation of the Bible in 1588 prevented the Welsh language from disintegrating into a number of dialects. The revival of Welsh literature in the 20th century. revived the cultural life of Wales, and the University of Wales develops and approves new standards for the Welsh language. In the development of a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, a national competition is held annually among poets, singers and musicians using this language. Folk dance and music festivals have been organized annually since 1947.

In the XX century. interest in religion in Wales waned. Separated from the state, the Anglican Church has six dioceses here. The largest of the Protestant churches is the Church of Wales. In 1916, the residence of a Roman Catholic archbishop was established in Cardiff, but the number of Catholics in Wales is small.

Attractions

Parks and recreation areas

Wales- one of the smallest and most mysterious regions. This country has an incredibly picturesque nature, and tiny towns and villages keep the spirit of the medieval and Victorian.

The best places in Wales

A small principality with a rich history is located on southwest UK and great for travel. It has a wonderful climate, many ancient castles, luxurious nature and its own national cuisine.

Attractions in Cardiff

The capital of Wales is the historical, cultural and industrial center of the county. Here the city has many interesting sights, some of which belong to very ancient times.

On my own Cardiff not large, but for many centuries it has been of particular value both for its region and for Great Britain as a whole. It is a major port, an industrial center and a modern university campus. In its very center is the ancient neo-Gothic fortress of the same name, which is the oldest castle in Wales. For two thousand years, the bastion withstood uprisings and battles, reliably protecting the inhabitants of the city from enemies.

Throughout its existence cardiff castle did not lose its massive appearance and did not turn into ruins. It is perfectly preserved, becoming a cultural heritage of Wales. At the entrance to the bastion, there are powerful gates that perfectly reflect the Middle Ages, and behind them there is the most beautiful architecture, luxurious gardens with Mediterranean plants and peacocks walking in the park.

The interior of the castle is as impressive as the exterior. The incredibly spacious halls have rich woodwork, colorful stained-glass windows typical of that time, and there is also a wonderful library. Once inside, you immediately lose the feeling of real time, moving into the Middle Ages at the time of kings and knights.

Cardiff has other interesting historical complexes. Koch Castle or Red Castle deserves special attention - a charming building in the Victorian style with rounded towers. The first owner of this luxury was not known, but scientists found out that the castle was built in the XII-XIII century.

Soon the structure fell into disrepair and almost collapsed until it was chosen by Marquess of Bute John Crichton-Stuart. He decided to restore the castle in order to turn it into a home for himself and his family. The building received a new look at the end of the 19th century. Inside the building, you can see a collection of paintings and antiques, visit the rooms of the Marquis and his family, feeling the real spirit of the Middle Ages.

Other significant architectural sights of Cardiff include:

• Llandaff Cathedral- the oldest church in the city, built in the XII century;
• norwegian church- a tribute to the brave sailors who actively traded with England;
• Church of John the Baptist- the oldest temple, which was originally a chapel.

Traveling independently in Cardiff, it is worth getting to know natural beauties- sights with their own atmosphere. These places include the National Park. Pembrokeshire Coast- one of the best coastal parks in the world.

On a fairly large coastal area, there are small charming fishing villages, rocky cliffs and picturesque sandy beaches, bays and hills. Preseli hiding old trade routes, settlements and burial chambers.

Welsh castles

It is difficult to imagine Wales without the most beautiful medieval castles that adorn these lands. In a country with a rich history, powerful structures were simply necessary. They acted as impregnable defensive structures, where it was always possible to defend themselves from enemies. In total, the country has about 200 castles, some of which were almost destroyed to the ground, some are simply in disrepair, but most of them still managed to be preserved for history.

Wales has a special castle tour- a route that the inhabitants call the "Iron Ring of Edward I":

• Harleck. A real gem of a medieval building. The castle was built in the 13th century on a sheer cliff. On two sides it was protected by the North Sea, and on the other side by a deep moat. Two rows of powerful walls were impregnable, and it took 8 years to build them. According to many, Harlech is the best example of castle architecture.
• Beaumaris. A bright representative of medieval castles at one time helped to strengthen the position of England in Wales. In its entire history, it has never been conquered, for which it is considered almost invulnerable to the enemy.
• Conwy. The most picturesque of all castles was also built at the behest of Edward I to protect the north coast of Wales. It was erected on rocky rocks, which made it possible to protect it from possible undermining and undermining the fortress walls.
• carnarvon. The largest, oldest and most majestic castle in Wales has a very extensive history filled with military events. The fortification of the XIII century was known as an absolutely impregnable fortress. Its construction cost an incredible amount - 22 thousand pounds. For that time it was the annual budget of the British kingdom.

A lot of castles have been preserved on the border between England and Wales. They are reminiscent of the times when the Welsh were conquered by the Anglo-Normans.

Welsh nature

The real pride of Wales is the beautiful nature that can be found in the national parks of the country. The largest of their national parks is named after " snowdonia”, and occupies about a quarter of the territory of Wales. It got its name in honor of the highest mountain point of Snowdon.

Lakes play a big role in the life of Wales. The country has one of the largest lakes in the UK - bala. Its area reaches as much as 5 square meters. km., and the depth is 42 m. This place is very popular with locals and tourists, because here you can enjoy the luxurious nature and go fishing in solitude.

Two popular lakes - Llyn Vaur and Llyn Kerrig Buck are of scientific interest. These reservoirs are used as reservoirs, and objects from the Iron and Bronze Ages are constantly found at their bottom. Such finds allow you to better learn about the history of the country.

Museums in Wales

To learn more about the history and culture of Wales, you should look into National Museums Cardiff. The most famous of them is dedicated to the rich life of the country. It has items related to archaeology, botany, art, geology, and zoology. According to scientists, various settlements have been actively developing in Wales for about 5 thousand years BC.