The Castle is vastly imposing and dominates the walled town of Caernarfon. Like Harlech Castle, it was built as part of the Iron Ring  of fortifications built by Edward I around Snowdonia in north Wales - the Ring also included castles at Conwy, Rhuddlan, Beaumaris.

Caernarvon Castle was built on the shoreline with supplies coming by sea, such was the Welsh threat of ambush to a convoy over land. Work on the castle started in 1283 and its building was meant to be a symbol of English dominance over the subdued Welsh. 

Welsh aspirations of autonomy were dealt a major blow with the construction of the castle and Edward intended to stay - "A prince will be born in Wales who may never speak a word of English"  -  and promptly moved his pregnant wife to Caernarfon. On reflection, he thought he might appease the local welsh people and so compromised, paying respect to the local legend of Caernarfon's long association of  their town with the Roman Walls of Constantinople in the East of Europe - Caernarfon's old name, Caer Cystennin, was the name used for Constantinople. In miltary terms the castle was almost untouchable and was never taken - with a garrison of only 28 men-at-arms it even withstood two sieges by the Welsh nationalist Owain Glyndwyr.

There are wall-walks and a labyrinth of covered passageways and tunnels to explore. And inside there is an excellent exhibition retelling the history of the castle as well as a second display, in the north-east tower, about the many Princes of Wales that have taken their title here.

Information Welsh Tourist Board