{mosimage}Steeped in history, the walled town of Caernarfon, North Wales dates back to the time of the ancient Romans. The Roman name for the town was Segontium and the present name means “fort in Afron”. The famous Caernarfon Castle dominates the town from its location on the banks of the River Seiont. The castle was built by Edward the first in the twelfth century and has been the site of two Prince of Wales investitures, the latest being that of HRH Prince Charles in 1969.
The walled fortress and the castle are impressive sites in this beautiful town. The castle is the most magnificent of all the Welsh castles and its grandeur shows the determination of Edward 1 that this town be the seat of government for the country. Although the work began in 1283 and continued for the next 50 years, it still was not completed. The majestic walls were deigned to imitate the walls of Constantinople- the seat of Rome’s imperial power. This majesty is still evident today as you explore the three towers and walk along the embattlements. From the castle walls you have a breathtaking view of the town and the museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers – the oldest infantry regiment in Wales.
There is more to Caernarfon than this medieval castle. Visitors delight in attending the Saturday market in Y Maes, where King Edward presented his newborn son to the Welsh Chieftains. You can also visit the remains of a Roman fort that dates back to 78 A.D. This is called the Segontium Roman Fort and Museum and contains actual artifacts found during the excavation. Although this was a remote outpost it was well known throughout the Roman Empire. It attracts thousands of visitors each year. When you visit this attraction you will have a truly hands-on experience, as visitors are encouraged to touch the articles on display.
There is a Maritime Museum at the harbour where you can see the maritime history of the town. You can also take the self-guided tour of the Indigo Jones Slate Works, founded in 1861to produce slates for school children to write on. Today, Welsh slate is still being used to produce many architectural and craft goods. You will truly enjoy this visit when you try your hand at calligraphy and lettercutting. You can even take a free piece of the slate home with you as a souvenir.
{mosimage}For a truly electrifiying experience, you have to visit Electric Mountain. Located at the edge of the exquisite Snowdonia National park, the visitor’s centre will provide you with an educational experience about the powers of the pumped storage of hydro-electricity. This is a fantastic adventure for children and adults alike where you can try your hand at generating electricity through pedal power. The natural science theatre has an exciting video about the Ice Age and its effect on the landscape. Following these experiences, you can take the tour around Dinorwig Power Station that culminates into a descent into the mountain itself through the labyrinth of tunnels.
Enjoy a day at the Fun Center, where the adults can relax in the fully licensed restaurant while the children play to their heart’s delight on the slides, tubes, climbing walls, bridges and many other thrills this center has in store. Caernarfon is a town where everyone speaks Welsh and all visitors are heartily welcomed. You will find everything you need to spend a day, a night or a week in the town – fine dining or take away, comfortable hotels or cottages, friendly people and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
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