Dinas Emrys, Archaeological site and castle ruins in Snowdonia, Wales
Dinas Emrys is a fortress ruin located on a hilltop near Beddgelert in Gwynedd. The site displays remains of stone fortifications from different time periods, with traces of an earlier settlement layer beneath the medieval structures.
The site began as an Iron Age settlement and was later fortified with a tower during the 12th century. Excavations in the 20th century revealed these distinct building phases and showed how the location served different communities across many centuries.
The site holds deep roots in Welsh legend and appears in local stories as a place where ancient powers were at work. Visitors today can see how the ruins connect to these old tales that have been passed down through centuries.
The site is reached by hiking trails that wind through the landscape, with parking available at nearby access points. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and prepare for exposed terrain and changeable weather conditions in the mountains.
The site connects to an old legend about two battling dragons said to be trapped beneath the fortress foundations. This story appears in medieval texts and adds a layer of mythology that sets it apart from ordinary ruins.
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