Conwy Castle, Medieval fortress in Conwy, Wales.
The rectangular castle displays eight massive limestone towers standing 30 meters tall along with two barbicans positioned on a coastal ridge.
King Edward I commissioned master architect James of Saint George to build this strategic stronghold between 1283 and 1287 during his conquest of Wales.
The castle displays architectural elements from the Savoy region of Italy through its military design, defensive features, and residential quarters.
Visitors can access multiple levels of the castle, including tower lookouts that provide views across the River Conwy and surrounding landscapes.
The construction required 1,500 workers and cost 15,000 pounds, making it one of the most expensive medieval building projects in Wales.
Location: Conwy
Location: Conwy County Borough
Inception: 1283
Founders: Edward I of England
Architects: James of Saint George
Elevation above the sea: 23 m
Height: 30 m
Fee: Yes
Made from material: limestone
Operator: Cadw
Part of: Conwy Castle and Town Walls
Address: Rose Hill St, Conwy LL32 8AY, UK LL32 8AY
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-17:00
Phone: +443000252239
Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/conwy-castle
GPS coordinates: 53.28000,-3.82556
Latest update: May 28, 2025 14:40
These castles represent significant architecture from medieval to modern times. The structures showcase military defenses, royal residences, and religious centers. From the Alhambra in Spain to Himeji in Japan, these fortresses document different architectural styles and historical periods.
Wales features a region with three national parks, including Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire coast park, as well as fortresses like Conwy and Caernarfon castles built by Edward I in the 13th century, and religious buildings such as St. David's Cathedral. The coastline alternates between red sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and islands like Anglesey, while the inland reveals mountains, lakes, and valleys such as the Elan Valley with its historic dams. Welsh towns preserve their architectural heritage, with Cardiff as the capital. The Gower Peninsula offers limestone cliffs and sea caves, Tintern Abbey has been a Cistercian monastery since 1131, and Powis Castle features terraced gardens. Former mining regions and botanical sites reflect the country's industrial and cultural evolution.
Conwy Railway Bridge
121 m
Conwy Suspension Bridge
128 m
The Guildhall
98 m
Gate piers and gates at Rose Hill Street entrance to St Mary's churchyard
205 m
Gate piers, gates and railings at the Castle Street entrance to St Mary's churchyard
208 m
Conwy Castle and Town Walls
36 m
George and Dragon
187 m
NatWest Bank
148 m
Pont Pensarn
82 m
Isgraig (Christopher Gash Dental Surgery)
119 m
Meddiant
136 m
Knights Gone By
98 m
OId College
194 m
The Quay
111 m
Fron Deg
130 m
Crane in former railway yard E of Conwy station
91 m
St John's English Methodist Church
159 m
Railway bridge over Llanrwst Road, including attached embankment wall to E
79 m
The Bridge public house
128 m
St Mary's Churchyard Walls
211 m
Llys Meddyg, including forecourt railings and gate
171 m
Retaining wall of Afon Gyffin to E of Pont Pensarn
44 m
Hodesdon
125 m
Former Conwy Municipal Offices
162 m
Pillar box outside NatWest Bank
154 m
Telephone call box outside NatWest Bank
154 m
House, including forecourt railings and gate
161 m
Harbour Master's Office
105 mReviews
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