Monuments to visit Central

Built in 1260 atop a ridge, on the site of an ancient Norman fort, during the reign of Edward ^I, it's a beautiful castle to visit, quite unlike the fortified castles of the west or the ruins of the south. Originally built for military purposes to control the border with England, the castle has been a pleasure residence for several centuries. Powis Castle is in excellent condition, having been transformed into a grand Elizabethan manor house in 1587 by Sir Edward Herbert, first Lord of Cherbury.

Emblematic decor of Powis Castle. Measuring some 8,500 square meters, the Italianate terraced gardens are as impressive as the castle itself, and have hardly changed since the ^17th century. Among the most famous in Britain, these gardens are also among the few masterpieces of the period that have not been altered by the unusual landscape designer Capability Brown. Take the time to stroll through them.

Some of the trees here are almost seventeen metres tall. A thought for the gardeners who trim the hedges every year on a large cherry picker!

In the former billiard room. And don't forget to take time to explore the Clive Museum, with its fine collections by Robert Clive (1725-1774), son of the infamous "Clive of India", and its art objects from Karnataka in India.

Numerous events (temporary exhibitions, workshops, etc.) are organized. Don't hesitate to check the agenda in advance via their website.

This perfectly renovated ^17th-century manor house is well worth a visit. Set in the heart of Dinefwr Park, the Gothic facade you can admire today dates back to the ^19th century. Home to several generations of descendants of Lord Rhys, who ruled Deheubarth in the ^12th century, it is now open to the public. You can explore the elegant rooms or stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens. With interactive exhibits and guides, you can learn more about the family's past and its influence on the region's history.

Although in ruins, Carreg Cennen Castle still boasts numerous passageways and rooms, as well as the remains of towers and ramparts. As much for its historical interest as for its strategic location on a sheer cliff overlooking the surrounding Brecon Beacons park, the castle is well worth a visit. At the far end of the inner courtyard, on the left, don't miss the passageway to the cellars, which will take you deep into the castle, to the passages dug into the rock and said to be haunted.

From Llandeilo, you can explore the ruins of Dinefwr Castle (approx. 2 km from the town center, leaving your car in the parking lot and completing the journey on foot). Overlooking the River Tywi, you'll discover the remains of the great hall, residential apartments, square towers and ramparts characteristic of the place and of Welsh medieval architecture. The parkland you walk through to reach the castle also holds many secrets, and don't hesitate to pass through the deer park on the way.