Harlech Castle is one of the great medieval fortresses of Europe: built in 1283–90 as part of Edward I's iron ring of castles around north Wales, its concentric walls rising from a rock above the coastal plain, the sea visible to the west and the mountains of Eryri to the east. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and one of those places where the view from the battlements is worth the admission price alone. This is Experience #41 of the Snowdonia 100.
The Castle
| Built | 1283–1290 by James of St George for Edward I |
| UNESCO status | World Heritage Site (with Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris) since 1986 |
| Opening | Daily; reduced winter hours — check Cadw website |
| Admission | Cadw standard charge; Cadw membership allows free entry |
The gatehouse at Harlech is one of the finest single features of any medieval castle in Britain — a massive twin-towered structure five storeys high, itself a castle within the castle, designed to be defended independently if the outer walls fell. The walls are still largely complete, and the wall walk gives the full panoramic effect that Edward's architects intended: domination of the landscape in all directions, the sea gate on the western face (the sea now 2km distant) where supplies were landed under siege conditions.
The Song
"Men of Harlech" — Rhyfelgyrch Gwŷr Harlech — is associated with the castle's role in the Wars of the Roses, when Harlech held out for Lancastrian forces for seven years (1461–68), the last castle in England or Wales to fall. The siege gave Wales its national anthem of sorts, and the association of the castle with resistance and endurance makes it culturally significant beyond its architectural quality.
Experience #41 of 100 — Heritage category. See the full Harlech Castle guide.
Independently written — Snowdon.com