Fodor's Expert Review Cardiff Castle
A mishmash of styles, from austere Norman keep to over-the-top Victorian mansion, Cardiff Castle is an odd but beguiling place, located right in the middle of the city. Take the tour of the Victorian portion to discover the castle's exuberant side. William Burges (1827–81), an architect obsessed with the Gothic period, transformed the castle into an extravaganza of medieval color for the third marquess of Bute. The result was the Moorish-style ceiling in the Arab Room, the intricately carved shelves lining the Library, and gold leaf murals everywhere. Look for the painting of the Invisible Prince in the Day Nursery; at first glance it's just a tree, but stare long enough and a man takes shape in the branches. Note the not-so-subtle rejection of Darwin's theory of evolution, represented by monkeys tearing up his book around the library's doorway. Fans of military history shouldn't miss "Firing Line," an exhibition tracing the history of Welsh regiments. The vast castle grounds, which... READ MORE
A mishmash of styles, from austere Norman keep to over-the-top Victorian mansion, Cardiff Castle is an odd but beguiling place, located right in the middle of the city. Take the tour of the Victorian portion to discover the castle's exuberant side. William Burges (1827–81), an architect obsessed with the Gothic period, transformed the castle into an extravaganza of medieval color for the third marquess of Bute. The result was the Moorish-style ceiling in the Arab Room, the intricately carved shelves lining the Library, and gold leaf murals everywhere. Look for the painting of the Invisible Prince in the Day Nursery; at first glance it's just a tree, but stare long enough and a man takes shape in the branches. Note the not-so-subtle rejection of Darwin's theory of evolution, represented by monkeys tearing up his book around the library's doorway. Fans of military history shouldn't miss "Firing Line," an exhibition tracing the history of Welsh regiments. The vast castle grounds, which include beautiful rhododendron gardens and a habitat for owls and falcons, are also the setting for an open-air cinema and music concerts in the summer. A visitor center houses the ticket office, a gift shop, a café, and an information center focusing on the city. Tours, including of the clock tower, are held on certain dates year-round; call or check the website for schedule and booking information.
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