7. Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle, perched above the town of Conwy in North Wales, is a striking example of 13th-century military architecture. Constructed between 1283 and 1289 under the direction of King Edward I, it formed part of his strategic campaign to establish control in Wales.
Built on a rock promontory with massive round towers and a double courtyard, the castle exploits natural and engineered defences.
Its design blends bold fortification elements with commanding views over the surrounding landscape and sea -reinforcing both its readability as a fortress and its imposing presence.
Over time the castle’s role shifted. It served as a royal residence, garrison, and prison in different eras, and eventually entered a phase of decline before becoming celebrated for its ruins. Today it stands well-preserved, almost intact compared to many contemporaries.
Visitors to Conwy Castle can walk its ramparts, peer into its great halls, and appreciate the layered history of conquest, defence, and residence. Set within the wider town walls and historic environs of Conwy, the site remains a tangible link to the medieval past and a highlight for those exploring Welsh heritage.