Hay Castle, Medieval castle and heritage centre in Hay-on-Wye, Wales.
Hay Castle is a medieval fortress in Wales that combines an older defensive keep with a mansion added during the Jacobean period. The complex displays elements from different eras, including ancient wooden doors from the 14th century alongside sections that show both original and reconstructed components.
Norman settlers built the first fortification around the year 1100, and later the de Braose family rebuilt the structure in stone during the 13th century. The site went through several phases of redesign as different people adapted it to meet new needs.
The castle now hosts art exhibitions and literary events where visitors can experience contemporary works displayed within its historic rooms. It has become a gathering place for people interested in modern creativity and regional storytelling.
The castle is open to visitors daily and offers guided tours of the grounds and buildings. Plan to spend enough time exploring, as the site has multiple wings and varied terrain to discover.
After decades of neglect, the fortress underwent extensive restoration and opened to the public for the first time in recent years. The rebuilding process uncovered forgotten details from different construction periods that had been hidden beneath layers of decay.
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