Monuments to visit Snowdonia

Caernarfon Castle was built between 1283 and 1330 by Edward I to consolidate his military advance. He wanted to make the castle a mixture of styles, combining the walls of Constantinople, hence its unusual polygonal towers, and Roman grandeur.

Classified by UNESCO in 1985, Caernarfon is one of the best preserved castles in the country, but also one of the largest medieval castles in the world!

A strategic and political location, it was here in 1969 that the nomination of the candidate for the crown, Charles, son of Elizabeth II, as Prince of Wales, took place. Since 1282, when the English defeated Llywelyn the Last, the last "Welsh" prince, the title of Prince of Wales has become that of the aspirant to the British Crown. This custom and title can be traced back to Edward I of England, who promised the Welsh that he would give them a prince who was born in Wales and did not speak English. Edward II, born in Caernarfon, spoke neither English nor Welsh. It was not until 1911 that Lloyd George, the Welsh Prime Minister, demanded that the nomination be held in Wales, in Caernarfon. In the castle is exposed the throne specially designed for the occasion, as well as a specimen of a chair and everything that was made for the ceremony.

Giant playground, the castle of Caernarfon can be discovered through towers and underground passages, cul-de-sacs, ramparts, spiral staircases? Also don't miss the Castle Museum and the Royal Wales Rifle Museum.

Built in the 13th century, the castle is located in a very strategic place: it dominates the village and the sea from the top of the rock, and is part of the famous chain of castles built by Edward I to ensure his new conquests. Owain Glyndwr, an important figure in the country's history, conquered the castle in 1404 and lived there for five years, making Harlech the capital of Wales. If the weather is clear, the views are particularly magnificent, one can see Tremadog Bay and the mountains in the distance.

Built between 1820 and 1830 by the miners with money from the slate quarries, for the benefit of their boss George Dawkins-Pennant, this small palace with its 300 rooms is considered by the Welsh as a mark of oppression of the rich English bosses. Nevertheless, just for the size of the castle and its excellent state of preservation, a visit is well worthwhile. It is also possible to visit only those gardens that are worth the detour, especially in winter when the castle is closed. Or the summer if you want to cut back a little bit.