Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle is a medieval fortress built from sandstone on a cliff in the Welsh town of Harlech. The structure features a rectangular inner courtyard bordered by four round towers and a double-towered gatehouse, while an outer wall forms the first line of defense.

King Edward I commissioned master builder James of St. George to construct this fortress following his conquest of Gwynedd, completed between 1283 and 1290. The castle endured a seven-year siege during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, which later inspired a Welsh military anthem.

The name Harlech comes from Welsh words meaning roughly "fair rock," reflecting the dramatic cliff on which the fortress sits. Visitors notice the strategic position that once allowed ships to dock below, though the sea has since retreated.

The site sits above the town and requires a steep climb to reach, with a modern footbridge leading to the original gate. Visitors find information panels in several languages and can explore the towers via stone spiral stairs that can sometimes be slippery.

A protected stairway with 108 steps once connected the fortress directly to the sea, allowing supply by ship during sieges. Today the water lies far away, as the coastline has changed dramatically since medieval times.

Location: Harlech

Inception: 1283

Founders: Edward I of England

Architects: James of Saint George

Elevation above the sea: 57 m

Made from material: sandstone

Part of: Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd

Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/harlech-castle

GPS coordinates: 52.86000,-4.10916

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:33