After three years of work, Caernarfon Castle’s £5 million renovation has finally been completed – and it’s looking pretty snazzy. Said to be based on the design of the famous walls of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), the castle already had a mighty presence in the Welsh town, but who doesn’t benefit from a face-lift from time to time?
The medieval fortress in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and underwent extensive work to make the site more ‘welcoming and accessible’ for visitors.
Its gatehouse towers have gained a flashy new rooftop deck and flooring, unlocking areas of the historic building not seen for centuries and offering fresh views of the surrounding town and coastline. The revamp also includes a brand-new café and a lift to all upper levels.
Built by Edward I of England in 1283, the building was (controversially) the host of King Charles’s investiture as Prince of Wales back in 1969.
While the castle has long been tied up with English history, at the centre of the makeover is an exhibit based on the theme of ‘the hands that built the castle’, spotlighting the Welsh labour that went into the castle’s existence.
Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, the government agency that cares for the site, said: ‘This new interpretation will demonstrate the skill and knowledge that went into building the castle that is now a World Heritage Site. It also provides a context that will allow a fuller understanding of a time of intense conflict between the indigenous Welsh princes and the English monarchy.’
ICYMI: This village has just been named the UK’s best seaside resort.
Plus: You can now take a private plane tour of the Lake District.