UNESCO world cultural heritage
– Castles and fortified cities of King Edward I (1986)
After the conquest of Wales by the English King Edward I (1239-1307), he built a number of castles in the north-west of Wales in the Gwynedd region to secure his rule. The most famous castle, immortalized by many artists, is that of Conwy. It was built in 1283 and was the first he had built. This was followed by Caernarfon and Harlech. The last and largest was Beaumaris on Menai Strait on the Isle of Anglesey. The castles and fortifications of King Edward I have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
– Blaenavon industrial landscape (2000)
In Blaenavon, a relatively unknown place in Wales, the industrial revolution began in the 19th century and the place then became a major industrial center. The untouched landscape was opened up and numerous traffic routes were built in an extremely short time to be able to transport the goods. Coal and iron ore were mined and houses built for the workers – the region became prosperous. However, there have been no coal mines in the city since 1980, and the place is now downright old. Worth seeing in the city are the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway Museum Railway. The first shaft was the “Big Pit”. Today visitors are brought 90 m down in an elevator cage to open the baths for the buddies, visit a forge and the colliery’s engine room or the underground horse stables. The Blaenavon industrial landscape has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
– Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal (2009)
Building a canal in the difficult landscape required ingenuity, and construction required technical expertise. Construction was completed in 1805 without locks. The Pontcysyllte aqueduct spans the Dee Valley at a height of 37 m. Metal structures were made for its construction, which were durable and beautiful at the same time, and the aqueduct and canal were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009.
Cities in Wales
Cardiff
The port city of Cardiff, founded as a Roman settlement in the 1st century, is the capital of Wales. Aside from Cardiff Castle, the city offers a number of interesting museums such as B. the Welsh Maritime Museum and the National Techniquest Museum. Nearby (approx. 40 km outside the city) is the National Museum of Welsh Life open-air museum, which should also be worth a little detour. In recent years, Wales has also developed significantly in terms of its cultural infrastructure. So today there is a lively program in all art branches and a constant international exchange between young artists.
Portmeirion
The quirky little village of Portmeirion is at the entrance to Cardigan Bay. The approximately 50 buildings were completely designed by Clough Williams-Ellis in the middle of the last century, who thereby fulfilled a lifelong dream. The houses and public buildings are imaginatively designed in various architectural styles and have often been the backdrop for series and movies.
Conwy
The town of Conwy is dominated by its imposing castle, but it also has numerous other historically interesting buildings to offer. Among other things, Conwy is surrounded by a very well-preserved city wall (1280 m long).
Special structures, Ffestiniog railway
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
In 1999 Cardiff completed the Millennium Stadium. The second largest stadium in Great Britain stands on the site where the Cardiff Arms Park once spread. The tallest structure in Wales at 93 meters has a seating capacity of 74,500.
Chepstow City Wall The Chepstow
City Wall, commonly known as the Port Wall, was built in the 13th century. It is noteworthy that it is currently almost completely preserved. The parts of the wall at the Welsh Street parking lot and the Town Gate, which was rebuilt in the 16th century and served as a customs post, are well worth seeing.
Tredegar House, Newport
Built in the 17th century, Tredegar House in Newport is one of the most culturally and historically interesting residences in Great Britain. It served the influential Welsh Morgan family as a mansion until 1951.
Y Bont Fawr, Dolgellau
The seven-arched bridge “Y Bont Fawr” in Dolgellau is “the big bridge” over the brook Wnion. The factory, built in 1638, was expanded in the 19th century and restored after flood damage in 1903.
Ffestiniog Railway
The Ffestiniog Railway runs a 22 km long route from Portmathdog to the slate town of Maenau Ffestiniog. Originally designed to transport slate, steam locomotives have been running on the route since 1893, but these are mainly used for tourist purposes.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The 300 m long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries narrow boats across the Llangollen Canal. It was built by the Welsh architect Thomas Telford. Telfor also designed the bridge over the town of Conwy over the river of the same name and the Menai Bridge in Wales.