Travel Guide Newport (Casnewydd)

The town's strategic location at the mouth of the River Usk was not lost on the Celts, who first settled here. Discovered in 2002, the wreck of a medieval ship bears witness to Newport's role in trade in the early days of capitalism... Its virtually intact structure dates back to 1450. The town's excellent museum provides an insight into this historical legacy. The third-largest city in Wales, with a population of around 137,000, Newport grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution. In 1914, 6 million tons of coal were shipped from its docks! A visit to the Transporter Bridge and the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre will tell you a lot about this recent history. The visual arts have not been forgotten by the city, whose museum includes a gallery of modern and contemporary art. As you stroll through the streets of the center, you'll notice the large number of sculptures and murals that punctuate the urban space. Since 2006, huge white masts have been rising above the roofs of some streets. These are the structures supporting the Newport City Footbridge! This ultra-modern bridge for pedestrians and cyclists links the eastern banks of the river to the city center, and is the first construction site in the vast city redevelopment project entitled "Newport Unlimited".NB: Newport is only a few kilometers from Cardiff, and less than 15 minutes by train from Cardiff Central. Not to be confused with the picturesque village of Newport in Pembrokeshire!