Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd

This group includes four large stone castles with defensive walls that form a complete military system spread across the northern Welsh landscape of Gwynedd. They are positioned strategically and together show a full medieval military architecture.

King Edward I ordered these fortifications built between 1283 and 1330 after conquering Wales to establish control over the region. The construction of these four sites marked a turning point in controlling Welsh territory.

The fortifications show through their design and placement how power shifted from Welsh princes to English monarchy. They shape the landscape today and tell of this historical change that visitors can feel in the structures and how they are arranged.

All four castles can be reached by car and are roughly an hour's drive from each other. Visitors should allow plenty of time since the sites are spread across a larger area.

The architect James of Saint George used colored stones and geometric patterns influenced by northern Italian building styles. These design elements are still visible on the castle walls today and show cosmopolitan influences in medieval Welsh fortress construction.

Location: Gwynedd

Location: Wales

Inception: 1280s

Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/374

GPS coordinates: 53.13972,-4.27694

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:02