Royal Arcade, Victorian shopping arcade in Cardiff city centre, Wales.
Royal Arcade is a covered shopping passage stretching from The Hayes to St Mary Street, lined with wooden storefronts and decorated with Venetian-style windows on the upper floor. Multiple independent stores and specialty shops occupy the corridor on both sides, creating a complete shopping environment.
The building was constructed in 1858 and housed Cardiff's first free public library beginning in 1861. The Cardiff School of Art later occupied space above the entrance, making it an education and art training center for the city.
Wally's Delicatessen has served regulars for over 60 years, showing how locals treat this passage as a social meeting point. Shop owners and customers maintain close relationships that turn the place into a neighborhood hub beyond simple shopping.
The passage runs parallel to Morgan Arcade and sits close to Cardiff Castle, giving it a central location in the city center. Visitors find direct access to shops, cafes, and other stores without needing to navigate complicated routes.
The building received a complete renovation that preserved its original Victorian architectural details while adding modern retail functions. The careful restoration shows how historic elements like wooden facades and decorative windows were integrated into current operations.
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