Castell Caerdydd, or Cardiff Castle in English, is a medieval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion located in the city centre of Cardiff, Wales.
I have spent a lot of time in the castle on various visits and day trips. One time that particularly sticks out in my mind is when I was taught how to walk properly with a book on my head by Queen Victoria. She obviously wasn't the real one but she was awfully good at it.
The 3rd Marquess of Bute engaged the architect William Burges to undertake the remodelling of the castle. The two shared a passion in medieval Gothic Revivalism and this, combined with Bute's huge financial resources, enabled Burges to rebuild the property on a grand scale.
The whole Castle is beautiful and filled with magical rooms like the rooftop garden and the summer and winter smoking rooms hidden inside the clock tower with its coats of arms and colourful statues. The rooms are all sumptuously decorated with gildings, carvings and painted scenes, many allegorical in style, depicting the seasons, myths and fables.
Peacocks roam around the keep, the Black Tower adding a gothic Oxford touch and the Arab ceiling room makes you feel like you are somewhere else entirely. Here is a collection of photos to show you the detail and majesty of the castle.