By Nerys Lloyd-Pierce
From the Romans and Normans through to the industrial revolution, Cardiff is a treasure of historical influences, and, of course, the coal industry which transformed Cardiff from a small town into a thriving, international city. If you’re due to enjoy a break in and around the Welsh capital, here’s some of the most interesting historical attractions to visit and really make the most of your time here.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff owes its existence as a major centre to the discovery of coal. One of the main beneficiaries of the coal boom was the Bute family – then owners of Cardiff Castle. The 3rd Marquess of Bute spent much of his new-found income commissioning architect William Burges to oversee the renovation.
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- The Welsh flag flying at Cardiff Castle
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- Marvel at the castle’s stunning interiors
Within the castle’s tall Gothic towers, no expense was spared in the opulent refurbishment of the apartments. Precious stones, gilding, marble, elaborate carvings, Mediterranean rooftop gardens all combined to create the ultimate fantasy makeover. A tour of the castle reveals in no uncertain terms how the upper crust lived in the late 19th century.
Iconic venue
Roald Dahl Plass honours the famous writer, a son of Cardiff, who was born in the genteel suburb of Llandaff, and christened at the Norwegian Church, where his parents worshipped, now glistening white at its waterfront home, which it was moved to when it was renovated. The ‘Plass’ (Norwegian for plaza) hosts events throughout the year such as the annual food and drink festival, performances by the anarchic NoFit State Circus, and the Harbour Festival which have been a huge hit with families.
The Norwegian Church once hosted Roald Dahl’s baptism
Tintern Abbey
Within easy reach of Cardiff are the spectacular remains of Tintern Abbey, one of the UK’s most dramatic monastic ruins, set in the lush and lovely Wye Valley. This Cistercian monastery was wealthy and successful until it was laid waste by Henry V111 when he embarked upon the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s, destroying the religious orders’ power and appropriating their wealth for his own ends. The magnificently atmospheric ruins have inspired a poem by Wordsworth, a famous painting by Turner, and were the setting for a 1988 music video by Iron Maiden.
Walk through the spectacular remains of Tintern Abbey
Caerphilly Castle
A short train ride from Cardiff, another must-see is medieval moated Caerphilly Castle, which featured in BBC TV series Merlin. Alongside a wonky tower to rival Pisa’s, the second largest castle in Britain hosts outdoor performances and cinema, with an annual Big Cheese festival in July.
