Cardiff Castle walls
The walls of Cardiff Castle trace the outline of a Roman fort built in the 3rd century, rebuilt in Roman style on the original foundations by the Marquess of Bute's team in the late 19th century. You can follow much of their length from the streets around the castle for free.
Photos
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Roman foundations
The last of several Roman forts on the site was built in the middle of the 3rd century to guard against raiders along the coast. It was almost square, around 190 metres a side, built of limestone shipped from Penarth, with the River Taff running along its west side. After the Romans left, the Normans reused the collapsed walls as the edge of their castle, piling an earth bank over them.
Victorian rebuilding
In 1889 workmen for the 3rd Marquess of Bute uncovered the Roman remains. After excavation, William Frame built new walls in Roman style on the original foundations, including a reconstructed North Gate, and the medieval bank was cut back to reveal them. The northern gatehouse was redesigned again in the 1920s.
How to see them
Walk along Castle Street and Kingsway to see the outer face, then continue to the Animal Wall with its carved creatures on the west side. To see the inside, the keep and the Victorian apartments, buy a ticket for Cardiff Castle itself. Pasture and Six by Nico are a couple of minutes away for lunch afterwards. The walls are at their most striking in late afternoon light.
Highlights
- Follows the line of a 3rd-century Roman fort
- Rebuilt on the original foundations after 1889
- Reconstructed Roman-style North Gate
- Free to view from the surrounding streets
Good to know
- The exterior walls can be seen from public streets at no cost
- The castle interior and grounds need a Cardiff Castle ticket
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org