641 Castles, 6 Starbucks - Atypical Wales

With 641 castles in its diminutive 8,000 square miles (about the size of Massachusetts), the highest concentration of castles of any European country, Wales knows a thing or two about medieval structures. Wales is inviting travelers to step back in time and tour its castles. Planning a castle-hopping tour in Wales is easy since the castles of Wales are unavoidable. This family-sized nation has the most impressive collection of monuments left from the Middle Ages and is home to some of Europe's finest surviving examples of medieval castle construction.

It is easiest to divide Welsh castles into three categories: Norman Castles, Native Welsh Castles and Edward Castles. Wales also has Tudor castles, but for the novice castle collector, the three main categories should suffice.

The stone castles of the Normans were built shortly after the Norman victory over the Saxons in 1066. These castles are found mainly in South Wales and along the border with England. Outstanding castles in this category include Chepstow, Caerphilly and Pembroke, all located in South Wales. The fully decorated Cardiff Castle, in a class all its own, is a must-see for visitors to South Wales.

The second category is the native Welsh castles built by Wales’ own princes and ruling royal houses. Prominent among these are Castell- y-Bere, Dolwyddelan, Carreg Cennen and Criccieth. These castles, scattered throughout the country, are best known for their dramatic and scenic settings.

The third and best known category are the Edward Castles built by King Edward I at the end of the 13th century as a means of subduing the rebellious princes of North Wales. These castles tend to be larger and more impressive than Norman and native castles, but not necessarily more important. The four Edward Castles of North Wales have attained UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The four castles, Harlech, Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, known as the Iron Ring, are within close proximity of each other making them easy to visit over a long weekend.

Travelers are certain to discover a new-found appreciation for indoor plumbing and heating after a few castle visits, much less a cappuccino. Most of the castles of Wales are protected by CADW, the Welsh organization for historic preservation. CADW is the Welsh word for “to keep” and is pronounced (CA – DOO). To begin planning a Welsh castle-hopping vacation, please call Visit Wales at 1-877-872-1133 or visit www.visitwales.com or CADW at www.cadw.wales.gov.uk.

SOURCE VisitBritain - World's Leading Tourist & Convention Bureau 2005